Coco-Bassey Esu|3 July 2016|6:20am
Cross River Ministry of Health Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) unit launched its inaugural statewide school-based deworming exercise on Friday 1 July that will treat against two neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) that are common in children (Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH).
The Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Prof Ivara Ejemot Esu who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Cross River State, Hon Godwin Ettah flagged off the exercise at St Theresa Primary School old Netim, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State where Government functionaries,traditional/religious leaders, children, students and stakeholders both in education and health sectors were in attendance.
The state Deputy Governor stated that 'Cross River State which is endemic to several Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) that have been grouped together by World Health Organization (WHO) necessitate actions from all levels of governments in fighting the diseases. The deworming exercise which is one of the measures in tackling Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) will have direct impact on poverty alleviation and realization of some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as his Excellency Senator Prof Benedict Ayade is keen to collaborate with development partners to tackle this menace'.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr (Mrs) Inyang Asibong, who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary in the state ministry of Health, Elder E. U. Omini said 'the school-based deworming exercise will cover eleven of the eighteen local government areas for the first time and is targeting 600,000 at risk school aged children and junior secondary public and private schools. Other NTDs endemic to the state (Lymphatic Filariasis and Onchocerciasis) will be treated through a community based approach according to standard practice.
Dr Asibong assured that His Excellency Prof. Benedict Ayade realized the rippled effect of supporting the control and elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the state and will continue with available resources to support the programs to progressively reduce morbidity, disability and mortality due to these diseases.
Earlier in his address, the state coordinator Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), Dr Hilary Adie noted that 'School – based deworming is an important part of the state's newly expanded Comprehensive Neglected Tropical Diseases program. By rolling out this evidence-based intervention in schools, we are proud to provide a leading example of cross-ministry collaboration and partnership for improving health and well being of the children'.
Coco-Bassey Esu
Is the media aide to the Honourable Commissioner for Health, CRS
