By Chris Chikelue
The Anambra State Ministry of Health in collaboration with an International Health partner, The Cater Center, held the Anambra State version of the World NTDs Day on February 6. The original day for the annual celebration Worldwide is January 30.
The Non Tropical Diseases (NTDs) as highlighted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) are those diseases though preventable and treatable that affect the poorest populations of the World.
The major diseases which are grouped into four include, Elephantiasis (Ukwu aba shoe), Hydrocele (ibi) both caused by lymphatic filiriasis, Onchoceriasis (isi anya Ocha), Schistosomiasis (bloody urine/stool), Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis (Intestinal worms).
To mark the Day which was themed, ‘‘Unite, Act, Eliminate NTDs’’, there was an early morning Road walk in which the students of Christ the King Seminary, Nnobi, Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State played the pivotal role of assisting to disseminate the required information and in the distribution of worm expellers (drugs) as well as registration of persons who got the drugs.
While briefing the press and participants, mostly Health Workers at the Data Operating Centre (DOC) of the Ministry in Awka, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike represented by the Ministry’s Director of Public Health and Disease Control, Dr. Afam Aneme said, “Anambra State in collaboration with Carter Center is committednto controlling and eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases to free more than 6 million population who are potentially at risk of Soil Transmitted Helminth Infection and Schistosomiasis and more especially the poor rural dwellers that are significantly impacted with debilitating ill-health conditions.
“With the strong commitments and concerted efforts of the Carter Center, Anambra State has gained laudable achievements in NTDs control and elimination efforts reducing the public health burdens.”
The Health commissioner shed more lights on other diseases in the lists of NTDs. He said, “there are still other diseases of neglect which significantly impact the society with the poorest of the population receiving the greatest burden of the problems.
“These include, Rabies, which is viral infection through dog bites; Snakebites, Yaws, Buruli Ulcer, Leprosy, Noma (which is body disfigurement), Human African Trypanosomiasis also known as sleeping sickness and a host of others.”
He, however, hinted that the neglect to these diseases are predominantly caused by the sufferers of the problems and is extended to families which in turn spreads to the community and the nation at large.
On the demand of the State vis-a-vis the Federal Ministry of Health toward the elimination of these diseases, the commissioner through the briefing said, “the 2026 World NTD Day is another opportunity to renew our focus in expanding advocacy, sensitization, trainings, researches and integrating all strategies toward the elimination of these debilitating but preventable diseases of poverty”.
Dr. Obidike also encouraged everyone to report any case of the NTDs to the nearest Health centres for a freer and healthier community.
There was a drama presentation by the students of Christ the King Seminary School led by their Health Club drama convener, Ms. Nwadiuto Chiugo at the press chat.
Chris is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
