EDSPHCDA, TCC Launches Mass Administration Of Medicines Across LGAs
By Our REPORTER
Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) in Collaboration with The Carter Centre (TCC) has commenced Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM) for the treatment of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD’s) across Local Government Areas in Edo State, Including Akoko Edo, Ovia North-East, Owan East, Esan South-East, Uhunmwonde and Owan West Local Government Areas.
Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary, Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Mrs. Eloghosa Obarisiagbon, has reiterated government commitment to the delivery of quality health care services across the state. Noting that, Governor Godwin Obaseki is passionate about health programs that would ensure reasonable control of Neglected Tropical Diseases across the state.
She expressed gratitude to The Carter Centre (TCC) for their continuous support in constantly providing free drugs for endemic Local Government Areas.
The State Coordinator for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD’s), Mrs. Happy Poko, stated that the goal of NTD is to significantly reduce the morbidity caused by NTD’s in the endemic Local Government Areas with the view of achieving elimination by 2025.
Also speaking, the Director of The Carter Centre (TCC), Dr. Emmanuel Emukah affirmed that TCC remains committed to the state in proving free medicines for the treatment of Neglected Topical Diseased such as Onchocerciasis (River Blindness), Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminthes.
Dr. Emmanuel appealed that government should take full ownership of Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminthic NTD programs in Oredo and Egor Local Government Areas, assuring TCC support in the provision of drugs for NTD’s in those LGA’s.
Dr. Emmanuel therefore urged the public to accept the free drugs for NTD’s, pointing out that, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, the sickly, children aged 0-4 years and adults with stunted growth of not more than 90cm, are exempted from taking the drugs.
