NTDs: NGO executes 1,400 free surgeries in 6 states

 A Non-Governmental  Organization (NGO), the Mission to Save the Helpless (MITOSATH), says that it has executed over 1,400 mass hydrocelectomy for hydrocele cases arising from Lymphatic filariasis in six states across the federation.

Dr Francisca Olamiju, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), stated this during a flag-off of the second phase of the hydrocelectomy and management of Lymphoedema at the Specialist Hospital, Okitipupa, Ondo State.

Olamiju said that the NGO had been offering free medical services to patients of Neglected Tropical Diseases  (NTDs) for many years in the country. She said that 58 persons had benefited from of the free surgery and management of the disease in the Central Senatorial District of the state.

The CEO said that though 50 persons were estimated to benefit from the free surgeries, the NGO could still accommodate 100 persons, saying that nobody would be sent back. Olamiju explained that the state is endemic of lymphatic filariasis, hence there is the need for the intervention so that people could have a good life.

The common NTDs in the state are: Onchocerciasis, Lymphatic filariasis, Soil Transmitted Helminthes and Trachoma.

She promised that the NGO would extend the gesture to the northern senatorial zone of the state and other parts of the federation.

Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, said that Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease which usually occurs when filarial parasites are transmitted to humans through mosquitoes.

Ajaka added that the infection would cause damage to the lymphatic system.

“These patients are not only physically disabled, but suffer mental, social and financial losses contributing to stigma and poverty,” he said.

The commissioner explained that the World Health Organization (WHO) said that over 36 million people across the world had hydrocele and lymphoedema arising from lymphatic filariasis.

“It is therefore imperative to eliminate this disease to prevent unnecessary suffering and reduce poverty among our people, including acute inflammatory episodes, which can be reduced and prevented with simple measures of hygiene, skin care, exercises, and elevation of affected limbs,” he stated.

Ajaka said that surgery would alleviate most cases of hydrocele, while awareness on prevention and management of the disease is highly essential. He, therefore, appreciated MITOSATH for regularly providing the needed financial support for NTDs elimination activities in the state, saying that the partnership had yielded tremendous achievements in eliminating the disease in the state.

The commissioner said that the state government had established NTDs Clinic at the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA) in Akure. He added that the state is the first state in the southern region of Nigeria to implement free mass hydrocelectomy for infected citizens with 58 cases done in the Central Senatorial District.

Ajaka said that the state had also developed an electronic data collection system for active case search of NTDS, including lymphatic filariasis. He extended his appreciation to the management of the OSPHCDA under the leadership of Dr Francis Adegoke Akanbiemu, for its strong commitment to the realization of government agenda in the health sector.

He promised that the government would not relent in its drive to ensure that people live a healthy and happy life. Mr Akin Adejuwon, the NTDs Data Manager in the state, said that four NTDs which are: onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil transmitted helminths and lymphatic filariasis are prevalent in the state.

Adejuwon asked those with symptoms of the common NTDs to approach the NTD Office for medical attention. He explained that the government had made available free drugs to be used once in a year for anybody from age five except the pregnant women. According to him, the NTDs could be prevented hence the need to take the drug once in a year.

The programme which includes free screening, surgery and management will be for five days and the beneficiaries are given free food and transport fares.