Dr. Babagana Kundi Machina, the Executive Secretary, Yobe State Primary Health Care Board has raised concern over the negative impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases, (NTDs), that are endemic to the 17 local government areas of the State.
He raised the concern at a media briefing to mark this year’s World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day in Damaturu.
He stated that some of these diseases that are endemic to the local governments include: lymphatic filariasis (LF); Onchocerciasis (river blindness), soil transmitted helminthiases (STH); trachoma and schistosomiasis, among others.
According to him, the diseases are currently among the 20 diseases identified, as well as defined as Neglected Tropical Diseases, which are the focus of the World Health Organization’s road map for elimination.
The Executive Secretary also noted that in collaboration with other partners, the Primary Health Care Board in the State has succeeded in constructing new or rehabilitating dilapidated sanitation facilities in public places, constructed water facilities in schools and communities, drug supply chain management and mass Drug Administration (MDA).
Machina stressed that insecurity in some endemic local governments, late arrival of medicine to the country due to COVID-19 pandemic, as well lack of support from affected communities, are some of the challenges inimical to the fight against those diseases in the State.
