The kwara State Government in collaboration with Sightsavers have flagged off Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) medicines at Afon, the headquarters of Asa local Government Area of the state.
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The Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam who performed the flag off ceremony stated that, the State Government is ready to do whatever necessary to ensure that residents in the state are safe from sickness and disease.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Hajia Afusat Ibrahim, the Commissioner explained that Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is one of a group of diseases referred to as Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), caused by filarial worms, spreads from person to person through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
“In untreated individuals, this disease can cause swollen legs, breasts and scrotum, thereby causing severe disability and disfigurement. Therefore, sufferers from this disease are prone to stigmatization from friends or relatives and communities at large” she further affirmed.
According to her, “one of the proven strategies recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), in combatting LF and other NTDs is the Annual Mass Administration of Medicines.
“Over the years, Government in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Health and Sightsavers, have been supporting the distribution of free medicines, treat Lymphatic Filariasis, whenever the need arises, adding that Government is working immensely towards eliminating LF in the State.
“Previous assessments by Federal Ministry of Health and partners have shown that we have curbed the transmission of LF in 10 Local Government Areas, out of the 11 endemic for LF.”
She commended the Governor of the State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for prioritizing the health of Kwarans, through the support of several health interventions in the State.
She therefore enjoined the entire Kwara residents to support this administration at controlling NTD in the state by taking necessary steps to eliminate the disease.
Also in his brief remark, the Chairman House Committee on Health and Environment and Member representing Ifelodun Local Government constituency, Kwara House of Assembly,
Owolabi AbdulRazaq urged Asa communities to complement government efforts at administering the medicines.
In her remarks, the Sightsavers, Country Director, Dr Joy Shuaibu explained that, Kwara State has recorded a huge success in eliminating NTDs through free surgical intervention to reduce endemic in the state
Joy who spoke through the state Sight Savers programme Officer, Mr Olalekan Àjàyí, said kwara State Government standout among other states in the elimination of NTDs, giving kudos to the current administration, on the achievement.
Earlier the State NTDs coordinator, Mrs Yemisi Bamigboye commended the state government, for its efforts towards the elimination of NTDs in the state.
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