Oyo Government Reiterates Commitment to Eradicate NTDs

By Olubunmi Osoteku

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The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to eradicating untreated Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the state, warning that cases could lead to loss of sight and death.

The Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Muideen Olatunji, gave the warning while addressing journalists and other stakeholders during a programme organised to commemorate the year 2025 World NTDs Day, held at the Conference Room, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board.

Olatunji said NTDs are estimated to be affecting millions of people across the world, noting that the diseases affect mostly people in developing countries.

He gave the diseases to include Lymphatic, Filariasis, Onchoacerciasis, Schistosomiasis, Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH), Human African Trypanosomiasis, Guinea Worm Disease, Trachoma, Leishmaniasis, Leprosy, Buruli Ulcer, Dengue Fever, and Rabies, among others.

Dr. Olatunji disclosed that all of the diseases have been confirmed to be endemic in Nigeria, and Oyo State in particular.

He said, “The devastating effect of these diseases on our people cannot be overemphasised, hence the need for all to come together to combat the diseases. They affect human health and lead to reduced productivity. If untreated, they could lead to loss of sight, while Schistosomiasis (SHC) Soil Transmitted Helminths can result in anaemia.

“The long-term effects of some NTDs can be catastrophic, even can lead to death. Across health and development, world awareness days offer an annual opportunity to mobilise greater attention, action and investment on priority issues, particularly in the countries and communities most directly affected.”

While speaking on the theme for this year NTDs World Day celebrations, which is: “Unite, Act and Eliminate NTDs” Olatunji stated that NTDs were one of the few health and development issues that did not have a dedicated advocacy milestone until last year.

He revealed that World NTDs Day brings together civil society, advocates, community leaders, global health experts and policymakers working across the diverse NTDs landscape, and unifies partners behind the common goal which is to face NTDs, unite, act and eliminate them.

In his remarks, one of the major stakeholders of the programme and Executive Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Nureni Adeniran, noted that recent studies have shown that NTDs are a diverse group of tropical infections that are common in low-income population.

Adeniran, who was represented by the Director Social Mobilisation of SUBEB, expressed optimism that the second–based deworming across schools, among other selected areas, will bring about a long-term benefit of a decrease in school absenteeism, stressing that severe deformities caused by NTDs among school age children as well as it’s resultant social stigma will be reduced.

He said, “Other benefits include the elimination of NTDs infection that predisposes learners to poor mental health, improved aspiration for civil rights, education opportunities and employment will materialized.”

Adeniran, however, expressed appreciation to the organisers of the programme for collaborating with Oyo State and also for making the programme school-based.

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