x

120 million Nigerians at risk of leprosy, rabies, snakebites, others –FG

The Federal Government has said Nigeria is endemic to 14 of the 20 neglected tropical diseases listed by the World Health Organisation.

It also stated that over 120 million Nigerians were at risk of contracting the NTDs.

The Director of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Morenikeji Alex-Okoh, disclosed this at the commemoration of the Neglected Tropical Diseases in Abuja on Friday.

A statement by the acting Director of Information, Federal Ministry of Health, Brendan Nwokike, which was made available to The PUNCH on Sunday, quoted Alex-Okoh as saying, “Nigeria is currently endemic to 14 NTDs; we have successfully eradicated guinea worm. The diseases we are still battling with include lymphatic filariasis, soil transmitted helminthiasis, onchocerciasis, trachoma (granular conjunctivitis) and schistosomiasis (bilharzia).

Others are rabies, leprosy, yaws, snakebites, leishmaniasis, Human African Trypanosomiasis, mycetoma and fascioliasis.

Also quoted to have spoken at the event, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunmimbe Mamora, added that over 120 million Nigerians were at the risk of the NTDs.

He said, “Over the years, the country has been battling seriously to eliminate most of these tropical diseases using approaches like preventive chemotherapy by conducting mass administration of medicines; morbidity management and disability prevention; integrated vector control; sound sanitation and hygiene practices with safe water supply etc.

“Currently, we are charting a new course of community engagement for tackling the NTDs for sustainability and ownership.

“Over 120 million Nigerians are at risk of the NTDs. The target of the government is to eliminate all the preventable NTDs and ensure the effective control of case management of the NTDs on or before 2030 by mapping of the endemic areas with some of these diseases in all the 774 LGAs in the country, and putting in place policies and guidelines to guide all stakeholders etc.”

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

FG Declares 6th and 9th June, 2025 Public Holidays To Mark Eid-Ul-Adha Celebration

FG Declares 6th and 9th June, 2025 Public Holidays To Mark...

Gov Ododo Approves N50m Monthly Allocation For Gratuity Of LG Pensioners in kogi

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja Kogi State Governor, Alh Usman Ododo...

Advocacy Visit On Early Voting Bill: Dr. Tunji-Ojo Hosts Chairman, Senate Committee On Army

By Francis Wilfred The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo...

Don’t test my resolve- Gov Eno warns A’Ibom youth leaders

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo Governor Umo Eno has warned those...

Alia Hits The Over Drive, Hires Labaran Maku-2027 Coalition Leader As Media Consultant

By Joe Ngbede Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has once...

Defamation Case: Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to Appear in Court Tuesday

Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is expected...

Nigerian Stock Market Gains N3.9 Trillion in May Despite Global Uncertainty

Investors in the Nigerian stock market recorded a remarkable...

Mokwa Flood: Death Toll Rises to 153 – NSEMA Confirms

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img