By Adeyinka Adeniran
Oyo state government has warned that untreated Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) cases could lead to loss of sight and death.
This is as the government reiterates its commitment to eradicate the diseases in the state.
The Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Board, Dr Muideen Olatunji gave the warning while addressing journalists and other stakeholders in a programme organized to commemorate the year 2025 World NTDs Day held at the Conference Room, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board.
He said NTDs are estimated to be affecting millions of people across the world, adding that the diseases affects mostly people in the 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, Rabis among others.
Dr. Muideen noted 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 overemphasized, 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 mobilize 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” Muideen said, “NTDs were one of the few health and development issues that didn’t have a dedicated advocacy milestone until last year. World NTDs Day brings together civil society, advocates, community leaders, global health experts and policymakers working across the diverse NTDs landscape, amd unifies partners behind our common goal which is to face, NTDs unite, act and eliminate.”
In his remarks, one of the major stakeholders of the program, Dr Nureni Adeniran the Executive Chairman of Oyo state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) 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 at the event by Director Social Mobilization of SUBEB expressed optimism that the second – based deworming across the schools among other selected areas will bring about a long term benefits of a decrease in school absenteeism, stressing that severe deformities caused by NTDs among school aged children will be reduced as well as it’s resultant social stigma.
“Among other benefits include NTDs infection that predisposes learners to poor mental health will be eliminated, improved aspiration for civil rights, education opportunities and employment will materialized.” Adeniran said.
Adeniran however expressed appreciation to the organisers of the program for collaborating with Oyo State and also for making the programme a school based.
