By Aniefiok Christopher
Helen Keller International and Akwa Ibom Ministry of Health have united to to identify and eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) from the State.
Flagging off the celebration of the 2026 World NTDs Day, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel John applauded Helen Keller International for making the celebration possible, adding that the exercise aligns with the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno which, he said, set the tone in building healthy people in a serene environment, with specific attention on the control of diseases in Akwa Ibom.
The Commissioner, who spoke through Technical Advisor on Health, Dr. Etop Antai, described the theme of this year’s World NTDs Day “Unite, Act and Eliminate NTDs” as apt since it is geared towards the achievement of the Universal Health Coverage as well as the Sustainable Development Goals in the State.
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Speaking on the essence of the event, the Country Director of Helen Keller International, Mr Aliyu Mohammed stated that Helen Keller International has been operating in Akwa Ibom State for the past 11 years and has intervened in the treatment of such NTDs and other diseases as Soil Transmitted Ailments common among school age children.
Represented by Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Mrs Bello Oluwabusayo, the Country Director explained that the diseases found in unhygienic environments, have hampered the educational performances of the affected children, who are usually malnourished, among other signs and symptoms.
The essence of day, Mohammed explained, was to target the elimination of NTDs by the 2030, urging Akwa Ibom citizens maintain a clean and healthy environment to prevent this diseases, while those suffering from NTD ailments were advised to visit the nearest health facilities for referrals and treatments.
The Country Director revealed that Helen Keller International has, in partnership with relevant government agencies, intervened in treatment of the affected patients including hydroxy surgeries for over 1,000 beneficiaries in Akwa Ibom State.
“We’ve also managed 52 infodemae cases, while others with diseases such as scabies, rabies, snake bite, unruly ulcers, elephantiasis have been attended to” Ms Bello hinted, noting that Helen Keller has so reached millions of school children over the 11 years’ period.
He explained further that the health organization is currently providing treatment to children in seven local government areas in Akwa Ibom, with plans to extend same to other LGAs in the State, where school children are expected to be vaccinated against NTDs in the state.
Major participants at the road walk carried out from Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat Uyo, included Directors of the State Ministry of Health, staffers of Helen Keller International, the media and other health workers.
Main features of the event that climaxed at Ibom Plaza Amphitheatre were presentation of fliers to educate the public on the signs and symptoms of NTDs and general awareness on where to get treatment or help when necessary.
