Adamawa State Health Commissioner Prof. Abdullahi Isa said Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) affect approximately more than half a billion children worldwide.
Neglected Tropical Diseases are a group of parasitic and bacterial diseases to include Lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), Onchocerciasis (river blindness), Trachoma, schistosomiasis (snail fever).
Briefing Journalists against the backdrop of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day at the Ministry of Health conference Hall, Prof. Isa explained that Adamawa state is being supported by a Non-governmental Organization Helen Keller International in the fight against the diseases that cause havoc on the lives of vulnerable and disadvantage person in the world.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Dr. Mullam Aidan said the diseases are transmitted in ways such as mosquito bites, flies, and other insects that came in contact with contaminated soil and water.
“Children can get NTDs during their day-to-day activities like playing on contaminated soil at home, farming, swimming, laundry, and planting crops, which can cause blindness, swelling of the limbs, and even death.
“The diseases affect the health and socio-economic and burdens on childhood growth and development, it hinders economic prosperity, as well as the risk of life long on the world’s poorest population, as it controls many families and communities trapped in a cycle of the diseases”, Isa said.
He commended Helen Keller International for its health intervention that saved many lives in the world, and the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to state health in Adamawa.
Represented by Abdullahi Ibrahim, a Program Officer with Helen Keller International make an overview of achievements recorded by the organization.
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