The Ondo State Ministry of Health in partnership with the Mission to Save the Helpless (MITOSATH), is taking a new approach to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), specifically Onchocerciasis, also known as River Blindness.

The innovative strategy fuses sports with public health awareness, centered on a novelty football match held in Idanre. This unique event was designed to boost community engagement and provide a fun platform for sharing critical health information.

The event, which highlights the State's commitment to eliminating NTDs, made health education accessible and engaging for everyone. The novelty match, which pitted the "NTDs Team" against the "Elimination Team," was a resounding success, attracting a significant number of residents. This spirited competition served as a powerful metaphor for the ongoing battle against diseases that have long affected communities.

Mrs. Olanike Oladipupo, the State Co-ordinator for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), emphasized that the event's main goal was to raise awareness and support for the ongoing Mass Administration of Medicine (MAM) campaign.
This campaign, currently being rolled out across all 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the State, is the cornerstone of the strategy to eradicate Onchocerciasis.

Oladipupo noted that the match served as a high-profile launchpad, encouraging people to participate in the drug administration effort and understand that "taking the prescribed medicine is a crucial preventive measure for safeguarding their health."

The Chairman of Idanre Local Government Area, Hon. Smart Omotajowa expressed his gratitude to the Ondo State Government and partners for organizing the campaign in his LGA.

He acknowledged the specific peculiarity of his community, which includes 56 settlements pointing out that the lack of access to clean water is a significant risk factor for Onchocerciasis. He therefore sought for a long-term solution to the disease through provision of potable water.

The Chairman praised the Government’s initiative and pledged his full support for the campaign at the local level through personally taking the medicine to show his commitment to the Mass Administration of Medicine (MAM) campaign's success.

Onchocerciasis is caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus and is transmitted by the bite of infected blackflies. It is a debilitating disease that can lead to severe itching, skin lesions, and permanent blindness.

ONDO STATE MINISTRY OF HEALTH FUSES SPORTS WITH PUBLIC HEALTH TO CREATE AWARENESS ON RIVER BLINDNESS