FMOH DISSEMINATES FINDINGS IN 10 LGAs on NTDs IMPACT ASSESSMENT

The Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) and Social Welfare has disseminated its findings in 10 Local Government Areas of Ondo State on the impact assessment of prevalence and control of Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminths.

The survey took place in the 10 Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminths endemic LGAs which are Akoko North West, Akoko South West, Akure North, Akure South, Idanre, Owo, Odigbo, Idanre, Ondo East, Ose and Ifedore Local Government Areas of the State.

Speaking during the dissemination, the Representative of the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Jacob Solomon noted that about 4,490 children were sampled in 150 communities in the endemic LGAs.

He noted that there was reduction in prevalence of Schistosomiasis in Odigbo, Akure North, Akure South and Ifedore LGAs respectively while there has been upsurge in Schistosomiasis prevalence as against baseline data in Ondo East, Idanre, Ose and Owo LGAs and wide treatment would no longer be required.

He explained that treatment would be done once every year among school age Children and Adult populations in wards of the following communities: Eleyowo, Odo-Oja and Oke-Afa in Akure North LGA; Aponmu in Akure South LGA; Apomulona, Asegbo, Bajare, Ofosu and Olokuta in Idanre LGA; Ikota and Ipogun in Ifedore LGA; Asejire, Costain, Koseru, Olowo and Orita-Ojo in Odigbo LGA; Bolorunduro and Owena in Ondo East LGA; Owani in Ose LGA; Agopaanu and Igbe in Owo LGA.

Speaking on the prevalence of Soil Transmitted Helminths, Dr. Jacob also said there was significant reduction in all the 10 LGAs that was assessed and treatment would be carried out annually in Odigbo LGA while Ifedore, Ondo East and Ose LGAs will treat once in 2 years.

According to the team, some of the key issues encountered are non-involvement of some stakeholders in the planning and implementation of the survey, misconception about the aim of the exercise and involvement of State resident Academia (Parasitologist) and delay in payment of Local Guides and Town Announcers.

The team therefore recommended that the State and Partners should involve key officers and collaborate with other line MDAs and conduct key informant interviews and focus group discussion to understand why prevalence is increasing instead of reducing in some LGAs while also involving the academia with significant academic contributions to NTDs in subsequent surveys.

Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, the State Coordinator for NTDs in Ondo State, Mrs Olanike Oladipupo appreciated the FMOH team immensely and all the officers from the Health sector that Participated in the survey for their dedication and full support during the program while promising that the State would work on their recommendations.