The Kwara State Government, in collaboration with Sight Savers, has commenced the administration of drugs to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Afon, Asa Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
The initiative aims to curb the spread of diseases such as Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), a mosquito-borne illness that can lead to severe disability and disfigurement.
Speaking at the launch of the programme on Monday, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health. “We will do all we can to ensure the state’s residents are safe from sickness and disease,” she said.
Dr. El-Imam, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Hajia Afusat Ibrahim, explained that LF is one of several NTDs caused by parasitic worms and spread through mosquito bites. Untreated, it can cause conditions such as swollen legs, breasts, or scrotum, leading to disability and stigma.
The Commissioner emphasised the importance of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended strategy of annual mass drug administration to combat LF and other NTDs.
She noted that Kwara, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Sight Savers, has been distributing free medication to treat LF over the years.
“We are working hard to eliminate LF from the state,” Dr. El-Imam assured, adding that assessments conducted by the Federal Ministry of Health and its partners have shown significant progress.
“We have successfully interrupted the transmission of the disease in 10 out of the 11 LGAs endemic for Lymphatic Filariasis.”
She commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his ongoing support of health interventions across the state and urged residents to cooperate with the government’s efforts by taking the necessary steps to eliminate NTDs.
In her remarks, Sight Savers Country Director, Dr. Joy Shu’aibu, highlighted the success Kwara State has achieved in eliminating NTDs, particularly through free surgical interventions. Dr. Shu’aibu, represented by the state Sight Savers Programme Manager, Mr. Olalekan Ajayi, stated that the state has recorded significant milestones in its fight against NTDs.
The Chairman of the Kwara State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Hon. Owolabi AbdulRazaq, also addressed the gathering, urging residents of Asa LGA to support the government’s efforts by participating in the drug administration. “This is by being available for the administration of the medicines,” he said.
The programme Is part of Kwara’s broader strategy to eliminate NTDs, which remain a serious public health issue in parts of the state.
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