Kwara govt provides free-H surgeries to 72 patients
The Kwara State Government has disclosed that no fewer than 72 patients have benefitted from the state’s free hydrocelectomy surgeries as part of its commitment to eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, disclosed this on Wednesday during the 2024 State Review Meeting on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), held at G Pinnacle Hotel, Ilorin.
According to the Commissioner, beneficiaries drawn from the state’s three senatorial districts received logistics support for transportation to and from the surgery centers.
She commended the medical team and health officials for their dedication to translating 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.
“We need to improve our efforts to eliminate these diseases. The first thing is prevention since we can not afford to treat all of them. The role of local governments is crucial in ensuring that people are protected from diseases. Information at the local level has a higher impact”.
She charged NTD Local Government Coordinators, their Assistants, and other key stakeholders to proactively combat 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 due to the government’s interventions and support 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 the current efforts of this administration, therefore expressed optimism that NTDs in Kwara State will be eliminated before the 2030 global target.
