Daud Olatunji
In a concerted effort to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), the Ogun State Government says it has adopted a proactive approach through mass administration of drugs, aiming to raise awareness and address the prevalence of these often-overlooked diseases.
Festus Soyinka, the Director of Public Health at the Ogun State Ministry of Health while speaking during awareness rally at major markets including Kuto said World NTDs Day, observed annually on January 31, serves as a platform to shed light on the significance of Neglected Tropical Diseases.
He said NTDs unlike other prominent diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV, have not received adequate attention.
He highlighted the six NTDs currently being tackled in the state, including Schistosomiasis, leprosy, Buruli ulcer, lymphatic filariasis, soil-transmitted helminths, and Onchocerciasis.
He said the diseases are closely associated with poverty and environmental factors and necessitating a multifaceted approach to create awareness.
The government leverages opportunities, like the biannual visits to endemic local governments, to distribute drugs both in communities and schools, targeting school-age children.
Soyinka urged parents to allow their children to take advantage of these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures against NTDs.
Soyinka explained that certain habits, such as contact with contaminated rivers and consuming unwashed vegetables, contribute to the acquisition of NTDs.
To address these issues, the government has developed a comprehensive program, endorsed by the Commissioner for Health, emphasizing the importance of regular deworming for both adults and children.
The state’s strategy involves mass deworming exercises rather than waiting for individuals to exhibit symptoms.
Soyinka clarified that detecting diseases like soil-transmitted helminths can be challenging, as visible symptoms may not manifest until the advanced stages.
Despite national guidelines recommending a 65 percent coverage during mass administration of medicine, the State has surpassed expectations, achieving an impressive 82 percent coverage in the recent deworming exercise.
He added that this therapeutic coverage is a testament to the state’s commitment to eradicating NTDs.
Soyinka emphasized the use of internationally recognized dosage standards during drug distribution.
Notably,he said height measurements are taken for school-age children to ensure accurate dosing, a crucial element in the state’s efforts to combat NTDs.
Responding to concerns about the safety of the administered drugs, Soyinka reassured the public, stating that there is no harm in taking the prescribed medications.
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