The Anambra State Government, through the State Ministry of Health and the Carter Center, has reaffirmed its commitment to preventing Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) across the state.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, stated this during a news conference on NTD interventions in Awka on Tuesday.
The Commissioner also noted that the state government, in partnership with the Carter Center, recorded and treated 156 dog bite cases between 2023 and 2024.
He urged the Carter Center and academic institutions to strengthen their collaboration with the government to sustain the progress made in NTD prevention.
“Residents should report cases of elephantiasis, hydrocele, dog bites, snake bites, poncho nodules, yaws, Buruli ulcer, leprosy, guinea worm, and bloody urine to the nearest health center for prompt treatment,” Obidike further noted.
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On her part, Mrs. Egeonu Attamah-Isiani, Programme Officer at the Carter Center, stated that the center would continue to support the state in eliminating NTDs and achieving the global target by 2030.
Prof. Nkiru Orji, Coordinator of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), South-East, urged the state government to implement policies and increase funding for NTD research to provide data for eradication efforts.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that the theme for this year’s commemoration is “Unite to Act Towards the Elimination of NTDs.”
