Oyo Govt Raises Awareness On NTDs , Calls For Collective Efforts To Combat The Diseases

…as govt supports the program with over N27M in 2023

Oyo State Government has called for renewed attention to Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and collective efforts to combat the diseases in the state.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi made the call at the press conference organised by the Primary Health Care Board to mark 2024 World NTDs Day, themed” Unite, Act, Eliminate”
Dr. Oluwaserimi, in her speech delivered at the event, which took place in the Ministry’s Conference Room , Agodi , Secretariat, Ibadan, said the effects of NTDs on the people cannot be overemphasized; hence there is a need for everyone to come together to combat the diseases.

She noted that the NTDs thrive in an area where access to clean water sanitation and essential medicine is scarce, adding that if untreated it could lead to disability and stigmatization.

She explained that part of preventive measures by the government is to raise awareness about these diseases, the profile of NTDs, the suffering they cause and gather support towards their control, elimination, and eradication in line with programmatic targets set out in the WHO 2030 road map.

According to the commissioner, ” Neglected Tropical Diseases are caused by various pathogens including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins, and are in response for devastating health, social and economic consequences.

“ Everyone has a key role to play by bringing renewed attention to NTDs, building political will, mobilizing resources, putting individuals and communities at the center of the response.

“Every January 30th is declared by the World Health Assembly as the World NTDs day. We can collectively generate attention and resources needed to deliver against the elimination of NTDs in Oyo State, this is why the Oyo State Government also join the global community to celebrate the 2024 World NTDs Day.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, said the government through the board has been playing a central role in implementing policies, allocating resources and coordinating efforts to control and eliminate the diseases in the state.

He hinted that the Oyo state government released over 27 Million Naira to support NTDs program activities in the state in 2023 including drug distribution, public awareness campaign among others.

His words : The NTD unit of the Oyo State, Primary Health Care Board (OYSPHCB) is saddled with the responsibility of carrying out all the control strategies through safe and cost-effective preventive Chemotherapy (PCT) in collaboration with the willing NGOs”

“NTDs are treated with safe and effective drugs that are distributed once each year. These medicines are donated medicines from W. H. O for the control of the NTDs. They are free, safe and not to be sold “.