The Edo State Government has said it will leverage on existing collaboration with stakeholders in the health ecosystem to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the state.
Addressing journalists in Benin City, the Executive Secretary, Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), Dr. Omosigho Izedonmwen, said NTDs which refer to a diverse group of parasitic and bacterial diseases cause significant morbidity and mortality in more than 1 billion people globally and Nigeria is with the highest burden in Sub-Saharan Africa.
According to him, the diseases result in deformed legs, blindness and social isolation among sufferers.
He noted, “Thankfully, Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration in collaboration with the Carter Centre and other partners are keeping up with the global target of eliminating the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) through Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM), such as Ivermectin to combat River Blindness and a combination of Ivermectin and Abendazole to combat Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis). This has contributed to a massive decrease in NTDs in the state.
The Executive Secretary urged decision makers, community and religious leaders, the media, school administrators, parents, and residents to join the state government to Act Now, Act Together and invest in Neglected Tropical Diseases to safeguard the lives of Edo people, adding that this will result in the elimination of the diseases in the state.
