The Bauchi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating Neglected Tropical Diseases, NTDs, within the state, pledging to intensify efforts to eliminate these diseases by 2030.
This commitment aims to improve public health outcomes and enhance the quality of life for affected communities.
The state commissioner of Health, Dr Adamu Sambo gave the assurance while speaking at the closure of the Trachoma Trichiasis Project and the handing over of the transition plan to the state government by the Health and Development Support Programme, HANDS, in collaboration with Save-sight on Thursday.
The commissioner who was represented by the state Primary Healthcare Board, Executive Chairman,
Dr Rilwanu Mohammed explained that: “As Trachoma remains the world’s leading cause of blindness and is among the neglected tropical diseases, NTDs measures have been put in place to ensure the elimination of all the NTDs by the year 2030.
“Bauchi state Governor, Bala Mohammed is committed to the health and well-being of the people.
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“We appreciate the efforts of HANDS for conducting capacity building to 20 Ophthalmic Nurses on trachomatous trichiasis surgery (TT Surgeon) and training 40 Health Care Workers (TT Surgeon Assistants), 17,912 Community, Directed Distributors as case finders, 2 Programmatic Supervisors and 2 Technical Supervisors.
“Other supports provided were the establishment of Static Centers in 19 local government areas and operation of 13,507 patients with trachomatous trichiasis from 2017 to 2023.”
In a remark, the North-East Zonal Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Hauwa Abubakar, commended all the partners for coming together to fight the menace of trachoma and trichiasis in Bauchi state.
She stressed that “It is part of the priorities of the Ministry under the leadership of the Coordinating Minister, Prof Ali Pate in fighting NTDs across the country in partnerships.”
The Director of HANDS, Dr Innocent Emereuwa said: “The project, which was executed for seven years, had achieved tremendous successes as it was able to identify and treat many victims of the disease across the state.
“The state government should pick it up from where Sight-savers and HANDS stopped for the benefit of all.”
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