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By Ibraheem Hamza Muhammad
The Carter Center, ( TCC) has confirmed the eradication of river blindness and genes worm diseases in Nasarawa State.
Mrs Paige Alexander, Chief Executive Officer of The Carter Center represented by Mrs Lindsay Rakers, an Associate Director of the NGO said in Karu Local Government that, the feat was as a result of years of hardwork and dedication to provide sound healthcare for all the citizens.
“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.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Health, Pharmacist 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,” said Pharmacist Ahmed Yahaya.
Speaking in an interview, Alh. Lawal Karshi, deputy Chairman of Karu local government area appreciated the state government and TCC for celebrating the elimination of the diseases in the area.
