The Cross River State Government says it is making efforts to completely eradicate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the state by the year 2020.
To this end, the Governor Ben Ayade-led administration has concluded a mass administration of medicines to treat and Prevent Onchocerciasis, Lymphatic Filariasis, Soil Transmitted Helminthic and Schistosomiasis for over two million children across the state.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Inyang Asibong while monitoring the exercise, said Cross River State is endemic to nine out of the ten diseases highlighted for control.
“All the 18 Local Government Areas across the state are endemic to at least one of the NTD’s and currently, 15 LGA’s are being treated for Onchocerciasis, 10 for LF, nine for Schistosomiasis and seven for soil transmitted Helminths”.
While the state government is set to embark on rapid vaccination across the state, Mr Iyeme Efem USAID/ Engender Health says beyond vaccination, people have also been encouraged to take personal precautions.
According to him, simple precautions such as sleeping under mosquito treated nets, engaging community members to administer medicines in their communities, among others can help prevent the diseases.
