Indigenes Benefit from Kwara State Govt Free-Hydrocelectomy Surgeries

No fewer than 72 indigent patients benefitted from free hydrocelectomy surgeries by the Kwara State Government, as part of its commitment to eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

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The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, disclosed this during the 2024 State Review Meeting on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), which was held at G Pinnacle hotel, Ilorin.

According to the Commissioner, beneficiaries drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state, received logistics supports, for transportation to and from the surgery centers.

She commended the medical team and health officials for their dedication to have translated the government’s vision into action, adding that though the reduction in NTD cases across Kwara State is encouraging, there is a need to intensify efforts towards total elimination, emphasizing on the fact that, prevention is the first line of defense, as treatment alone is not sustainable.

“We need to improve in our efforts, to eliminate these diseases. The first thing is prevention, since we can not afford to treat all. The role of Local Governments is crucial at ensuring that people prevent diseases. Information at the local level has a higher impact”.

She charged NTD Local Government Coordinators, their Assistants, and other key stakeholders to take proactive steps, in combating Schistosomiasis, Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH), and Lymphatic Filariasis, to enhance a healthy society.

Dr El-Imam noted further that access to preventive measures and treatment, particularly for children and young people, is essential for improving their overall health and academic performance.

“We must therefore go beyond what we have done so far. Students and younger ones can perform better if they are healthy. The drugs should therefore reach all the children as these diseases are completely preventable and treatable,” she added.

Also speaking at the meeting, State NTDs Coordinator, Mrs. Christiana Bamgboye, acknowledged the significant progress made in reducing NTDs across the state as a result of government’s interventions and supports from development partners.

According to her, the steady decline in cases of Schistosomiasis, Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis and Lymphatic Filariasis in 2024 reflects the effectiveness of current efforts of this administration, therefore expressed optimism that NTDs in Kwara State will be eliminated before the 2030 global target.