Nasarawa treats 444, 785 persons for schistosomiasis
About 444, 785 people with schistosomiasis disease in Nasarawa State were treated in 2023, according to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna.
The Commissioner made the disclosure on Wednesday in Lafia while addressing newsmen at an event to commemorate the 2024 edition of World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
He explained that those who benefited from the treatment included 398,768 children between ages 5-14 and 46,017 adults.
Gwamna also noted that within the period under review, 233,960 children of school age were treated for soil transmitted Helminthes with Mebendazole, received from the Federal Ministry of Health.
He said that 9,991 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from various communities were treated for onchocerciasis.
The Commissioner described the provision of healthcare services as one of the topmost priorities of the Governor Abdullahi Sule administration.
According to him, the State government, in collaboration with the Carter Centre have done so much in the fight against NTDs in the State.
“Nasarawa State is one of the two States in the country that have been able to eliminate onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis and trachoma.
“We have created 11 centres tagged Hope Group Clinics across the 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) designed to treat NTDs,” he said.
He also said that 61 local integrated health team members, 265 health facility staff, 888 community drugs distributors and 1,866 teachers were trained to provide services in centres across the State.
