Elephantiasis, Not Caused By Witches- Oyo Govt.
The Oyo State Government has expressed that four neglected tropical diseases; Soil-Transmitted Helminths, Schistosomiasis, Lymphatic filariasis, and Onchocerciasis, though endemic in the state are not caused by witches as they can be managed.
Dr. Muideen Babatunde Olatunji, the Executive Secretary of Oyo State Primary Health Care Board disclosed this at a press conference to mark the 2024 World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day.
While speaking on the theme tagged ‘Unite to Act Towards Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases’ said, the State has recorded 142 cases of Elephantiasis, and other neglected tropical diseases in the last year.
Olatunji mentioned that efforts have been made by the state government to combat Elephantiasis and other neglected tropical diseases, noting that the affected persons have been treated.
He added that 10 surgical interventions have been carried out while no fewer than 1.6 million school children have been vaccinated to prevent cases of neglected tropical diseases in the state.
He said, “They are called neglected tropical diseases because only a few people pay attention to them. They are not caused by witches, they can be managed.
“We have recorded 142 cases of Lymphatic filariasis also known as Elephantiasis, 9 cases of Onchocerciasis, we have done 10 surgical interventions. Mass drugs have been provided for 1.6 million schools across the state.
“According to a survey conducted by FMOH, four of these NTDs are endemic in the state – Soil-Transmitted Helminths, Schistosomiasis, Lymphatic filariasis, and Onchocerciasis.
“The diseases are distributed across the state as follows: 28 LGAs are Oncho endemic, 10 are FL endemic, 30 are SCH endemic and 33 are STH endemic. These NTDs are treated with safe and effective drugs that are distributed once each year.”
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