Enugu Govt Partners US Centre Against Infectious Diseases

United States (US) Carter Centre has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Enugu State government to eradicate infectious diseases and improve the well-being of the people.

The zonal director of the Carter Centre in Enugu, Dr Abel Eigege, made this statement during an advocacy visit to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Emmanuel Obi yesterday.

The centre, founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn in 1982, initially collaborated with the Enugu State Ministry of Health to tackle Guinea worm disease and river blindness.

The collaboration has expanded to include other diseases such as lymphatic filariasis, soil-transmitted helminths (geohelminths), and malaria.

During the visit, both parties reaffirmed their dedication to continued collaboration, innovation, and community engagement to sustain and build upon the progress made

Eigege highlighted the centre’s achievements in Enugu, pointing out the immense suffering, disability, and economic hardship caused by the diseases before their partnership began.

He noted that through relentless efforts, innovative strategies, and shared commitment; the partnership had achieved remarkable milestones.

“Since its inception in Enugu, the Carter Centre has provided technical assistance, resources, logistical support, and expertise, while the Ministry of Health contributed by offering an enabling environment, personnel, and community engagement.

“Together, they eradicated Guinea worm disease, reducing cases from 300,000 in 1987 to zero in 2009. In 2022, the transmission of river blindness was interrupted, and lymphatic filariasis was halted in 2024 through sustained mass drug administration.”

Eigege further revealed that more than 66 million people in Enugu State had received treatment for river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminths from 1995 to 2024.

“Additionally, malaria control measures, such as the distribution of insecticide-treated nets, have significantly reduced malaria cases and deaths.

“The partnership has also trained thousands of healthcare workers, community volunteers, and village health teams while distributing millions of insecticide-treated bed nets, medications, and diagnostic tools,”Eigege said.

Eigege expressed optimism for future successes, especially as the centre was set to begin free surgical operations for hydrocele cases in Enugu later in 2025.

In response, the state commissioner for health acknowledged the significant strides made during the 37-year partnership.

Obi recognised that the collaboration had saved millions of lives, alleviated suffering, and transformed communities, emphasising the enduring success of the joint efforts.(NAN)