FCTA TO COMMENCE 2022 ANNUAL SCHOOL DEWORMING EXERCISE

By: Prudence Okonna

Arrangements have been concluded by the FCT Administration to commence the 2022 de-worming exercise in schools across the Territory and called for the support of all stakeholders.

The Director, FCT Public Health Department (PHD), Dr. Sadiq Abdulrahman who made this announcement, noted that stakeholders support is necessary to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

According to him, the exercise is expected to cut across both public and private schools in the Federal Capital Territory.

“The support of schools, religious and community leaders is vital for the success of de-worming exercise which is targeted at preventing Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis(STH) in children above five years old and some adults who are vulnerable to these Neglected Tropical Diseases,” he emphasized.

The Director, who was represented at the occasion by the Coordinator Neglected Tropical Disease(NTDs) Unit of PHD, Dr. Eunice Ogundipe, said the essence of the meeting was to adequately sensitize and mobilize stakeholders to ensure the success of the de-worming exercise.

The NTDs unit coordinator, therefore, called on stakeholders for support, collaboration, and active participation through timely dissemination of information to the residents.

Dr. Ogundipe said the meeting is intended to address the challenge of low coverage experienced in the FCT in the past due to urbanization.

The Director urged the National Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) cascade the information to private school owners; adding that with the help of the FMOH and other partners, they will tackle other existing challenges.