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By Francis Nansak
Nasarawa State Government and The Carter Center (TCC) have celebrated the elimination of Onchocerciasis/Lymphatic Filariasis diseases in the state.
Officials of the state government led by the state Commissioner for Health, Pharmacist Ahmed Yahaya along with other government officials and The Carter Center, a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) celebrated the feat with citizens of the state in Karu Local Government Area on Friday.
Speaking, Ahmed Yahaya represented by the ministry’s Director of Medical Services, Dr John Damina hailed the feat as a dream come true which will go down in the history of Nasarawa state.
“The fight for these two diseases started in 1991 which is about 27 years now and today we are celebrating with people who believed would not come true.
“I want to commend The Carter Center who have contributed immensely as true and committed partners in this fight. Today, we are celebrating the elimination of Onchocerciasis and the elimination of lymphatic Filariasis as a public health problem in Nasarawa State,which two states in Nigeria to achieve this great milestone,” he said.
He explained that the state government under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule has embarked on free medical programmes such as surgery and eye care, hydrocele surgery and other medical services.
“The government has also embarked on the construction of comprehensive healthcare centers, general hospitals and employment of medical and health professionals to compliment and fill existing gaps,” he said.
He however warned that despite the success, state officials, stakeholders and partners must not relax but be conscious and watchful because the state has border states who are still infected with the two diseases and could re-infect residents of the state.
“Our citizens who are farmers, fishermen, herders, and other activities that involves constant visit to the rivers must wear protective clothing to prevent the bite of blackfly while our citizens must also sleep inside insecticide treated nets to prevent infection and re-infection.
“Onchocerciasis and lymphatic Filariasis has left some people with hydrocele and lymphedema of the limbs and other organs of the body.
“However, the state ministry of health and it’s supporting partner seeing the plight and stigma on these patients have embarked on free hydrocele surgery for patients all over the state and set up Hope Groups Centers for management of lymphodema in the local government areas,” he said.
In her remarks, Mrs Paige Alexander, Chief Executive Officer of The Carter Center represented by Mrs Lindsay Rakers, an Associate Director of the NGO said the feat was as a result of years and years of hardwork and dedication.
“It is also as a result of our resolve to work together to end this scourge and one by one they are been knocked out.
“Now 2.5 million in the state are no longer at risk to contact the disease,” she said.
Speaking in an interview, Mr Lawal Karshi, Vice Chairman of Karu local government area appreciated the state government and TCC for celebrating the elimination of the diseases in the area.
He assured that the local government council would continue to do its best to make sure that the diseases do not resurface in the area again.
