World NTDs Day: FCTA Takes Sensitization To Schools, Deworms 600 Students

By: Prudence Okonna

As part of efforts to reach universal health coverage by eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the Nation’s Capital, the Public Health Department, FCT, has taken its sensitization train to schools to educate the students on unhygienic practices that could expose them to these diseases.

The enlightenment campaign was also an opportunity to deworm about 600 students, which is targeted at treating intestinal worms.

The Public Health Department Team made the visit to Government Secondary School Garki, Area 10, Wednesday as part of its activities to mark the World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day, 2024.

Speaking during the visit, NTDs Coordinator of FCT, Dr. Eunice Ogundipe, said the purpose of the visit is to create awareness, because her team has realized that many Parents and students are not aware of what Neglected Tropical Diseases are and as such sensitizations campaigns cannot be overemphasized.

She explained that the campaign is in commemoration of the 5th anniversary of World NTDs Day; adding that the drugs being distributed to the students were donated by the World Health Organization, which are free of charge and are for the benefit FCT residents.

Her words: “We want to scale up awareness in the FCT and that is why we visited GSS Garki, Area 10, to educate them on the free deworming medicines available to everyone”.

Dr. Ogundipe also called on Staff of the FCT, to come to the Public Health Department office complex, Area 3, Garki to collect their deworming drugs, on Thursday, 1St February, 2024 from 10am.

Also speaking, North Central Coordinator, Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), Prof. Yoila Malaan, said the Focus of the commemoration is to ‘Unite and act towards elimination of NTDs’ through awareness and sensitization.

He explained that by supporting the sensitization campaign, PPSN is uniting with FCT Public Department towards eliminating NTDs.

Prof. Malaan revealed that many NTDs are tied to lack of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities, which are integral towards eliminating these Diseases.

Vice Principal, GSS Garki, Stella Onwuka, expressed satisfaction with the visit of the team; noting that she was ignorant about NTDs until the visit, especially on the dangers of unhealthy lifestyles that could expose them to these diseases.

She expressed the desire for the team to return for an indebt sensitization for the students on NTDs to help them indulge in practices that are more Hygienic.

Abuja Digest reports that the four Neglected Disease being prioritized by Federal Capital Territory Administration, which it hopes to eliminate include schistosomiasis, River Blindness, Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis.