Oyo State government has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) with a substantial investment of N30 million in disease elimination efforts across the 33 local government areas in the state.
Speaking at a press briefing to mark the 2025 World NTDs Day, the commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, highlighted the state’s achievements in combating these diseases over the past year.
She noted that NTDs, including lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), onchocerciasis (river blindness), schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminths, disproportionately impact the poorest and most marginalised communities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting opportunities for growth and development.
She said that among the state government’s most notable accomplishments is the successful implementation of the Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM) program, a major initiative to eliminate NTDs.
She added that through this program, the government trained 18,000 Community Drug Distributors (CDDs), who demonstrated exceptional dedication by reaching 13,401 communities across 298 wards in the state.
According to her, these frontline health workers delivered essential medications to prevent and treat lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis.
Additionally, she said the state had strengthened its healthcare workforce by equipping 641 health workers at the local government area level with the necessary tools and knowledge to supervise and support community-based efforts, ensuring the program’s effectiveness.
The 31 environmental health and environmental health officer’s directors were trained to oversee NTD interventions within their respective LGAs to enhance coordination and implementation further.
Ajetunmobi emphasised the state’s unwavering resolve to eliminate NTDs, recognising their detrimental impact on public health, productivity, and overall well-being.
“Here in Oyo State, we are acutely aware of NTDs’ challenges. These diseases affect the health and productivity of our people, but we remain resolute in our commitment to eliminating them through strategic investments, partnerships, and innovative approaches”, she said.
The commissioner sincerely appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde’s steadfast commitment to improving state healthcare. She acknowledged that the Governor’s approval of the funds for the MAM program last year demonstrates his administration’s dedication to prioritising healthcare.
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