Anambra, Carter Centre Provide Free Surgery To Combat Hydrocele Cases

The Anambra State government, in collaboration with The Carter Centre, has commenced free hydrocelectomy programme across the state to address cases of hydrocele and improve public health outcomes.

The surgical intervention is being conducted simultaneously in the three senatorial districts, with Enugwu-Ukwu General Hospital, Ekwulobia General Hospital and Umueri General Hospital serving as centre for central, south and north districts, respectively.

Hydrocelectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a hydrocele, a fluid-filled sac in the scrotum, typically performed when the hydrocele causes pain, discomfort, becomes large, or affects daily activities.

Speaking with newsmen, the Neglected Tropical Diseases Desk Officer in the state, Dr Emmanuel Obikwelu, said the exercise was targeted at persons, aged 15 and above.

Obikwelu explained that hydrocele, a condition linked to neglected tropical diseases, remained a significant public health concern, particularly among adult males.

He said the programme was designed to address the condition among the most affected group, while data on children with similar conditions would also be collected for future interventions.

“Children are not the primary focus of this exercise, but relevant data gathered will be forwarded to the State Government to guide subsequent programmes,” he said. (NAN)