Health, Health Briefs
The FCT Public Health Department has conducted an awareness campaign for students of the Faculty of Science, University of Abuja, on the prevention and control of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
Also, pupils of LEA Primary School, Sabon Lugbe, Abuja, participated in the activities.
Dr Ogundipe Eunice-Bosede, the FCT Coordinator for the NTDs Elimination Programme, stated at the event on Thursday that the initiative was organised to commemorate the 2025 World NTDs Day, observed annually on January 30.
She explained that the objective was to equip students and pupils with a comprehensive understanding of NTDs, their transmission, and effective prevention strategies.
According to her, these diseases receive insufficient attention in spite of their impact on public health.
She highlighted some common NTDs in Nigeria, including Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis), Onchocerciasis (River Blindness), Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia), Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis, and others.
She further emphasised the lack of research and funding for NTDs, stating: “Much attention is not being given to NTDs because it is a disease of the poor.
“Funding is even against it, and that is why this awareness creation and sensitisation is important. People misinterpret these diseases as supernatural occurrences, especially Elephantiasis.
“Our coming here will disabuse the minds of people that Elephantiasis is not the work of wizards.
“Once you are enlightened and educated about these diseases, you will have an informed knowledge about NTDs”.
Prof. Ahmed Dankishiya, Dean of the Faculty of Science, University of Abuja, commended the FCT Public Health Department for its efforts in educating students about NTDs.
He pointed out that Nigeria bears a significant burden of these diseases, stating: “25 per cent of this NTDs challenge in Africa, you will find more in Nigeria”.
He attributed the high prevalence of NTDs in Nigeria to inadequate access to clean water, poor sanitation, and limited public awareness.
He stressed the importance of educating young people about disease prevention, saying: “This sensitisation and awareness creation is good.
“We need to catch them young as they are growing, let them know the importance of having clean water and taking care of their sanitation aspect of life”.
He further noted that increasing awareness among students could enhance academic research, encouraging more interest in studying and addressing NTDs.
Dr Comfort Olarenwaju, an Associate Professor of Public Health and Parasitology, reaffirmed that day serves to raise awareness about these neglected diseases, a mission that the public health department is actively pursuing.
She stressed the need for students to expand their knowledge of NTDs beyond classroom teachings.
“Students in the department primarily conduct research on malaria, but with increased awareness of NTDs, more students will likely develop an interest in researching these diseases”. (NAN)
30th January, 2025.
A.E
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