World NTDs: Yobe Performs 10,508 Cataract, Trachoma Surgeries

Concerned over the impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) on the health and the economy of the people, the Yobe State Primary Healthcare Board in collaboration with other partners have successfully carried out 1, 170 cataract surgeries across various centres in the state.

The executive secretary of the board, Dr Babagana Kundi Machina stated this at the occasion marking the 2023 World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Damaturu.

Machina stated that the state government and the development partners have also performed 9, 338 lid repairs surgeries in the 17 local government areas of the state.

He said cataract surgery were done on 1, 170 people at the State Specialists’ Hospital Damaturu and the State Specialists’ Hospital Gashu’a sponsored by the government and different partners.

He noted that Trachoma Trichiasis (TT) surgeries for lid repair was carried out in all the 17 local government areas of Yobe State and a total of 9, 338 eyes were operated.

“Furthermore, on the achievements for non-surgical innervations, medical glasses were given to the patients, post operative medication to all clients operated, sun shade glasses provided to all those operated and street campaign and radio jingles was also great achievements as it created awareness on eye health services in the state,” the ES said.

Machina also stated that mass drug administration for the prevention, control and elimination of trachoma, lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis was carried out last year.

He said, morbidity management and disability prevention services through trachoma trichiasis surgery, hydrocele surgery and lymphedema management were carried out.