The state of Oyo has documented 142 cases of lymphatic filariasis, or elephantiasis, in the past year, according to the government of the state.
Dr. Muideen Babatunde Olatunji, the executive secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, revealed this information at a news conference held in honor of the 2024 World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day.
“Unite to Act Towards Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases” is this year’s event theme.
Speaking on the state government’s efforts to fight elephantiasis and other neglected tropical illnesses, Olatunji mentioned that those who were afflicted have received treatment.
Ten surgical procedures have been performed, he continued, and 1.6 million schoolchildren have received vaccinations to guard against neglected tropical illnesses in the state.
According to records, four NTDs are endemic in the state, he noted.
He lists lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminths among the illnesses.
“They are known as neglected tropical diseases because so few people are aware of them,” he stated. Witches are not the source of them; they are manageable.
“We have documented 142 instances of lymphatic filariasis, commonly referred to as elephantiasis, 9 instances of onchocerciasis, and 10 surgical procedures. Statewide, 1.6 million schools have received mass medication deliveries.
Four of these NTDs—solvent-transmitted helminths, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, and onchocerciasis—are endemic in the state, per an FMOH survey.
The illnesses are dispersed throughout the state in the following ways: There are endemic areas in 28 LGAs for Oncho, 10 for FL, 30 for SCH, and 33 for STH. Once a year, these NTDs are treated with medications that are both safe and effective.