The Oyo State government announced a free hydrocele operation on Monday to reduce the consequences of lymphatic filariasis, often known as elephantiasis, throughout the state as part of its dedication to health and well-being.
The free surgery followed the mass drug administration of free mectizan and albendazole (dewormer) tablets across over 13,000 communities in 31 local government areas across the state to eradicate commonly neglected tropical diseases, including intestinal worms.
Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, flagging the free surgeries in partnership with Christian Blind Mission (CBM), said hydrocele is a common manifestation of lymphatic filariasis, often causing discomfort and impairing physical movement.
Ajetunmobi, who was represented by a permanent secretary at the ministry, Dr Tunde Aremu, said the free surgical intervention will provide much-needed relief to those affected, change their lives, and free them from years of stigma, marginalization and trauma caused by the debilitating condition.
“Beyond the health benefits, this intervention will contribute significantly to human capital development and the economic growth of Oyo State, ultimately impacting the entire nation. As outlined in the World Health Organization’s protocol for declaring a state free of lymphatic filariasis, continuous mass drug administration and free hydrocele surgeries are critical components of the elimination strategy.”
CBM’s Technical Specialist on NTDs, Dr Joseph Kumbur reinstated CBM’s commitment to supporting the state to end lymphatic filariasis and other NTDs, being diseases that cause and are a consequence of poverty.
According to him, the mass drug administration was to prevent and treat those already with lymphatic filariasis, but yet to manifest either hydrocele or lymphoedema.
Dr Kumbur made a case for more subsidies to support the NTDs programme to ensure the people that are affected can access the services and ensure Oyo State can achieve its target of being declared lymphatic filariasis-free.
“CBM as an organization envisions a world where persons with disabilities or any disabling condition do not impact people such that they do not achieve their full potential. And that is the reason why we are in the business of neglected trouble diseases to make sure that nobody is stigmatized; and nobody is left behind because of his sex, his inability, or his religious background,” he said.
Chairman of Oyo State Hospitals Management Board (OYSHMB), Dr Akin Fagbemi, represented by the permanent secretary of the board, Dr Anifat Boladale Ibraheem, said most ailments called NTDs are curable. However, people are not aware of this but assume that it is due to bewitchment.
Tribune
