As part of proactive measures towards eradicating Onchocerciasis (River blindness disease), commonly referred to as ‘Nárun’ in Yoruba, the Environmental Health Service Disease Control Department of Ona Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State has launched a Mass Administration of Medicine (MAM) initiative. This commenced with a stakeholders’ meeting to signify the beginning of distribution of Mectizan drug and sensitisation to local communities.
Addressing stakeholders on the importance of Mectizan administration, Director of Environmental Health Services and Disease Control and Local Neglected Tropical Disease (LNTD) coordinator of the council, Rasidat Omowunmi Popoola, highlighted that the importance of the gathering was to sensitise the people of Ona Ara communities and also to inform stakeholders about the launch of the initiative to curb Onchocerciasis
She stated that the council is determined to ensure that Mectizan reaches all corners of the local government as officers will be deployed across the 11 wards to support the campaign.
While calling for the sustained support of stakeholders to ensure that all households and public places have adequate toilets and maintain proper sanitation, Popoola further stressed that the ongoing efforts of the council to achieve an Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status are sancrosant.
She urged certified communities to retain their ODF status by incorporating handwashing facilities and upholding comprehensive sanitation practices.
Chairman of the local government area, Dr. Kolapo Glorious, represented by his Chief of Staff, Isiaka Arinola, encouraged community leaders to mobilise their networks and increase awareness of Mectizan’s crucial role in combating Onchocerciasis.
The acting Deputy Director of Environmental Health Department, Inukan Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr. Adegoke Temitope, offered guidance on the safe administration of the drug.
He explained that Onchocerciasis is caused by Onchocerca volvulus that can lead to severe skin conditions, relentless itching and blindness, if left untreated.
The Supervisory Councillor for Environmental Health, Idris Olapade, encouraged residents to support field officers as they distribute Mectizan, reminding market leaders and stakeholders to adhere strictly to the sanitation protocols observed every Thursday.
In separate remarks, Mr. Johnson Olutayo Michael, representing the Ministry of Health and Bunmi Layinka emphasised the importance of complete stakeholders’ involvement to achieve MAM’s success across the council.
Also, the former State Coordinator for Neglected Tropical Diseases (SNTD), Jemila Aliyu, expressed gratitude and pledged her continued support for the Ministry of Health’s efforts across 31 endemic local government areas.
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