The Kwara Government, in collaboration with Sight Savers, has began the administration of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) drugs on patients at Afon in the state’s Asa Local Government Area (LGA).
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, in her address at the ceremony on Monday said the state government was ready to do whatever was necessary for better health.
“We will do all we can do to ensure the state’s residents are safe from sickness and disease,” she said.
El-Imam, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Hajia Afusat Ibrahim, explained that Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) is one of a group of diseases referred to as NTDs.
She added that the disease, which is caused by filarial worms, spreads from person to person through the bite of an infected mosquito.
“In untreated individuals, this disease can cause swollen legs, swollen breasts and swollen scrotum, thereby causing severe disability and disfigurement.
“Anyone or those suffering from this disease are prone to stigmatisation from friends or relatives and the community at large,” the Commissioner said.
She added that one of the proven strategies recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in combatting the disease and other NTDs was the Annual Mass Administration of Medicines.
“Over the years, the state government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and Sight savers, has been supporting the distribution of free medicines for Kwara citizens for the treatment of LF.”
She then assured that the state government was working hard to eliminate LF in the state.
“Previous assessments done by the Federal Ministry of Health and partners have shown that we have interrupted the transmission of the disease in 10 out of the 11 LGAs endemic for Lymphatic Filariasis,” the Commissioner said.
She commended Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the state governor, for prioritising the health of the people through the support of several health interventions going on in the state.
El-Imam further enjoined residents of the state to join hands with the state government to control NTDs by taking the necessary steps to eliminate the disease.
In her remarks, the Sight Savers Country Director, Dr Joy Shu’aibu, explained that Kwara has recorded a huge success in the elimination of NTDs.
She said this was through free surgical intervention to reduce endemic in the state.
Shu’aibu, represented by the state Sight Savers Programme Manager, Mr Olalekan Àjàyí, said the state has recorded milestones in the elimination of NTDs.
Also in his remarks, the Chairman, State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Hon. Owolabi AbdulRazaq, urged communities in the Asa LGA of the state to complement government efforts.
”This is by being available for the administration of the medicines,” he said.(NAN)
