On January 30th, 2025, the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), in collaboration with the Carter Centre (TCC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other partners, joined the global community in celebrating World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day, an annual event observed every 30th of January.
The year 2025 theme, “Unite to Act Towards the Elimination of NTDs,” inspired EDSPHCDA to organize a series of impactful activities to mark the occasion.
During the press briefing held at the Office of the Acting Executive Secretary, EDSPHCDA, Mr. Sunday Osayande, he explained that Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of diseases primarily affecting tropical regions, particularly impoverished communities with limited access to clean water, poor sanitation, and high levels of poverty. He noted that these diseases are caused by various pathogens, such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and parasites, leading to severe health, social, and economic consequences.
The Acting Executive Secretary further expressed his appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday Okphebholo for his proactive approach in fostering strong partnerships with health organizations and other key stakeholders to accelerate efforts towards the control and elimination of NTDs in Edo State.
Mr. Osayande also called on members of civil society groups, community and religious leaders, corporate organizations, global health experts, and Government officials to unite in action to tackle the challenges posed by NTDs.
To raise awareness about NTDs, several activities were carried out at the community level, as well as through media campaigns, to educate the public about NTDs. Special attention was given to the five major diseases supported by the Carter Centre in Edo State, including River Blindness, Lymphatic Filariasis, Soil Transmitted Helminths, Schistosomiasis, and Trachoma.
Speaking on the state’s efforts to control NTDs, Mrs. Happy Poko, Edo State Coordinator for NTDs, revealed that 10 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Edo State are endemic for NTDs, namely Akoko Edo, Etsako West, Owan East, Owan West, Esan Central, Esan South East, Esan West, Ovia South West, Ovia North East and Uhunmwonde LGA.
She explained that through collaborations with the Carter Centre and other stakeholders, mass drug administration is conducted twice a year in these endemic LGAs, while non-endemic LGAs receive preventive treatment once a year.
Adding to this, Dr. Emmanuel Emukah, Director, Carter Centre Edo-Delta emphasized the importance of early detection in managing NTDs. He stated that while NTDs are treatable, late diagnosis often leads to severe disabilities, including elephantiasis, which causes disfigurement and long-term suffering. Many individuals with these conditions face social stigmatization, further exacerbating their challenges
Dr. Emukah also pointed to the successful identification and treatment of Trachoma in several LGAs in Edo in the past few years, including free corrective surgeries carried out as part of the response. He reiterated the commitment of the Carter Centre and its partners to ensuring that endemic communities in Edo receive the support they need.
Mrs Momoh, the WHO NTD focal person stressed that maintaining good hygiene is key to reducing the spread of NTDs. She pointed out that poor sanitation and unclean environments contribute to the transmission of diseases such as Lassa Fever and other infections linked to NTDs. She reiterated WHO’s commitment in supporting the State and other partners to work towards prevention, control and elimination of NTDs.
As part of activities to mark the World NTD Day 2025, a community outreach was conducted at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Ohorgua, Ovia North East LGA. The outreach focused on deworming children aged 5 to 14 years, using Mebendazole and Albendazole to prevent NTD infections.
The Staff of Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) teamed up with the Carter Centre, World Health Organization, State Integrated Health Team (SIHT), Local Government Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Coordinators as well as other members of the Local Health Authority in Edo South, Medical Officer of Health, Ovia North East and many others to offer technical and hands-on support to ensure the exercise ran smoothly.
Beyond deworming, the children were also educated on the importance of proper hygiene practices, including handwashing and maintaining a clean environment. The atmosphere was joyful as the children sang and expressed their gratitude for the medical support.
Through these efforts, Edo State Government and its technical partners will continue to come together to unite and act towards the elimination of the Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
