On January 30th, 2026, the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), in collaboration with the Carter Center (TCC), World Health Organization (WHO) and the Parasitology, and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN) marked the celebration of World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day. This important day is observed annually to raise awareness and take action against neglected tropical diseases.
The year 2026 global theme for World NTD Day is “Unite. Act. Eliminate NTDs Towards the Achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
In observance of this day, activities carried out included a community outreach event in Siluko Community, located in Ovia South West Local Government Area (LGA), which took place on January 29th, 2026. EDSPHCDA partnered with The Carter Center (TCC), the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), and the Small Town and Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (STRUWASSA) to carry out this crucial community sensitization outreach.
The outreach team comprised of several key figures, including Dr. Efeomon Eseigbe, the Director of Disease Control and Immunization EDSPHCDA, Mrs. Happy Poko, State NTD Coordinator, Mr. Austin Ojeaga, NTD Coordinator for Ovia South West LGA, Dr. Habibat from the Parasitology Department (PPSN), Engr. Mrs. Asemota from STRUWASSA.
The team educated the community members about neglected tropical diseases, with a particular focus on schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzia), noting that schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease transmitted when individuals urinate or defecate in contaminated rivers or streams. The disease is caused by tiny worms that penetrate the skin, often when people, especially children, swim or play in infected water. Schistosomiasis can lead to blood in urine or stool.
During the outreach, key messages were delivered to the community to stop open defecation and build clean latrines, avoid urinating or defecating in rivers, and use safe water sources.
Additionally, the team distributed praziquantel, a medication used to treat schistosomiasis and prevent further infection. Engr. Mrs. Asemota also encouraged the community to submit a formal request to the government through STRUWASA for a borehole to provide clean water, noting that if the community adopts proper sanitation practices and uses clean water, schistosomiasis and other diseases can be significantly reduced.
The activities to mark the World NTD Day celebration continued on the 30th of January 2026, with a press briefing led by Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia, the Executive Secretary, EDSPHCDA.
Dr. Osoikhia called for collective action, urging all stakeholders, such as government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, the media, and communities, to unite in the fight against neglected tropical diseases. He emphasized that together, NTDs can be eliminated and Edo State can make progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The day also featured a media engagement session where Mrs. Happy Poko, the State NTD Coordinator, the Director of Carter Center (Edo/Delta) Dr. Emmanuel Emukah and Prof. (Mrs) Edosomwan, a Professor of Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN) appeared on the Daybreak program at Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS). During this segment, they discussed the various neglected tropical diseases, such as schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, and river blindness; their modes of transmission, and practical prevention methods that communities can adopt to protect themselves from these diseases.
