The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reiterated its commitment to fighting neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) across the country in its resolve to ensure achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Consequently, the Ministry has treated not fewer than 5 million people in Bauchi state who suffered from the various neglected tropical diseases in the year 2023.
A breakdown of the clients showed that a total of 2,825,204 People were treated for Onchocerciasis while another
1,212,623 People were treated for Schistosomiasis just as 874,374 People were treated for Lymphatic Filariasis.
The disclosure was made by the Zonal Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Bauchi, Hajiya Hauwa Abubakar while speaking during the commemoration of the 2024 World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day held on Tuesday at the Central Primary School, Gwaram in Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi State.
Represented by Abubakar Yakubu Kirfi, She said that, “Today, on the World NTD day, we gathered under the powerful theme” Write to act to eliminate NTDS”. It is a call to collective action and I am honored to share our achievements and plans in fight cigainst Neglected Tropical Diseases.”
She added that,”In the past year, the zonal office has made a significant Stride in the fight against NTDS. Through awareness campaign, we have visited remote communities, educating them on prevention, treatment and the importance of Hygiene.
Hauwa Abubakar added that, “Our collaborative efforts with local health workers have resulted in increased treatment coverage and ensure those affected received timely care.
“Looking ahead, we plan to intensity our community outreach, focussing on early detection and outreach, strengthiening partnership with NGOs and community leaders, support supervision and technical guide,” she stressed.
The zonal coordinator added that, “As we are united, acting against NTDs, let us remember that our collective efforts today paves the way for a healthier and more resilent tomorrow. Thank you.”
The State Coordinator of NTDs in the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BASPHCDA) Haruna Ibrahim Zwal stressed the importance of the focus on NTDs saying that it is desirable in order to shift attention to the diseases.
He assured that the agency will continue to prioritize effective and efficient healthcare service delivery across the state with special focus on achieving the Universal Health Coverage in the state.
The coordinator commended the partners in the fight against NTDs, MITOSATH for ensuring that there is availability of the drugs required to fight NTDs in the state
The caretaker chairman of Alkaleri LGA, Comrade Bala Ibrahim Mahmud thanked the State Ministry of Health for choosing the LGA to host the 2024 edition of NTDS Day celebrations.
The caretaker chairman also commemded the Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir who is a son of the soil for giving him the opportunity to administer the LGA stressing that he will ensure that the objectives are achieved.
He also said that his council will ensure security of lives and properties of residents of the area because according to him, it is only in a secured environment that the issue of health can be given attention.
Bala Ibrahim Mahmud reiterated the determination of his council to ensure that healthcare services are provided unhindered by people of the area.
According to him, “Considering the fact that health is wealth, we are providing effective and efficient service delivery in all our facilities. We ensure that drugs and other consumables are made available at all times.”
He also lamented that innocent people are dying everyday due to lack attention on the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDS) calling for required attention by all stakeholders.
The caretaker chairman also assured that his Council is ready to give all the necessary support needed to fight NTDS in the area.
In his remarks, the Director of Primary Healthcare (PHC), Alkaleri LGA, Comrade Sarki Turba said that his department is always up and doing in the provision of effective and efficient healthcare service delivery.
He assured that the department will always collaborate with relevant stakeholders in the move to fight neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the area.
Also speaking, the District Head of Pali commemded the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and other stakeholders for organizing the programme which he said was very important in the effort to provide effective and efficient service delivery.
