The Oyo State Government has disclosed that 142 cases of Lymphatic Filariasis, otherwise known as Elephantiasis, has been recorded in the state in the last one year.
This was made known by the Executive Secretary of Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Babatunde Olatunji, at a press conference to mark the 2024 World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day, with the theme, ‘Unite to Act Towards Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases’.
Commenting on the measures taken by the state government to combat Elephantiasis and other neglected tropical diseases, Olatunji noted that the affected persons have been treated.
He stated further that 10 surgical interventions have been carried out while at least 1.6 million school children have been vaccinated to prevent cases of neglected tropical diseases in the state.
He said that record have shown that four NTDs are endemic in the state.
Olatunji disclosed that the diseases are Soil Transmitted Helminths, Schistosomiasis, Lymphatic filariasis and Onchocerciasis.
He said, “They are called neglected tropical diseases because only few people pay attention to them. They are not caused by witches, they can be managed.
“We have recorded 142 cases of Lymphatic filariasis also known as Elephantiasis, 9 cases of Onchocerciasis, we have done 10 surgical intervention. Mass drug have been provided for 1.6 million school across the state.
“According to a survey conducted by FMOH, four of these NTDs are endemic in the state – Soil Transmitted Helminths, Schistosomiasis, Lymphatic filariasis and Onchocerciasis.
“The diseases are distributed across the state as follows: 28 LGAs are Oncho endemic, 10 are FL endemic, 30 are SCH endemic and 33 are STH endemic. These NTDs are treated with safe and effective drugs that are distributed once each year.”
