By Olajide Idowu
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has sought improved collaboration and investment in the eradication of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the country.
UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Ms Wafaa Saeed, said this on Thursday during a town hall meeting to assess the impact of its provided support to interrupt NTDs in Faji Town, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NTDs are diverse groups of conditions caused by a variety of pathogens (including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, toxins) and associated with devastating health, social and economic consequences.
Onchocerciasis (Oncho) and lymphatic filariasis (LF) are among the most prevalent NTDs in Africa, and Nigeria carries 25 per cent of the global NTD burden, with 120 million people at risk.
Saeed said NTDs heavily burdened the wellbeing of women, children, and the community, affecting their access to schooling and healthcare, hence the need for more investment to make a difference.
She added that the diseases were called “neglected” because of their impact on the most vulnerable.
The UNICEF country representative, however, commended the residents for embracing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives to interrupt NTD transmission in the community.
“What we see in this community is an example that NTDs are preventable and treatable. This is a good example that if you invest, you can make a difference.
“When a community comes together with its leaders, they can make a difference in interrupting the transmission of these diseases.
“This is crucial for the wellbeing of the people and the economy of the society,” she said.
Saeed urged the residents and local authorities to sustain the interruption of NTDs and maintain the town’s open defecation-free status by investing in hygiene, toilets, and handwashing facilities.
She assured that UNICEF would continue to provide support to the community.
“I appreciate and thank you for making full use of the drugs provided. The results show that these diseases are preventable and treatable,” she said.
Meanwhile, the President and Chief Executive Officer of UNICEF, United States, Micheal Nyenhius, commended the traditional ruler and residents for interrupting NTD transmission and achieving open defecation-free status.
Nyenhius said UNICEF prioritised children’s wellbeing, while maintaining good hygiene and eliminating open defecation would provide children with good health, which Faji Town had achieved.
Also, the state’s Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Moruf Adeleke, said the UNICEF visit aimed to assess its interventions on NTDs and WASH programs, which began seven years ago.
Adeleke, represented by a director in the ministry, Mr Gbadebo Iyanda, said that the community had achieved open defecation free status in WASH and also interruption of NTDs in the town.
Similarly, the traditional ruler of the town, Oba Moshood Olaleke, the Afaaji of Faji, appreciated UNICEF for their donations and support.
Olaleke noted that the impact of UNICEF, the state government, and other donors had led to the elimination of NTDs and promotion of WASH in the town.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during a town hall meeting, residents testified the efficacy of drugs provided for treating Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic filariasis for them and their loved ones.
The UNICEF team also inspected boreholes and water toilets constructed by residents. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Victor Adeoti/Ayodeji Alabi