Helen Keller International (HKI) and the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health have reaffirmed their commitment to the identification and elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the State by the year 2030.
The partnership was highlighted during a road walk organized to commemorate the 2026 World NTDs Day.
The walk commenced from the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat and terminated at Ibom Plaza, Uyo. Participants included directors from the State Ministry of Health, officials of Helen Keller International, media practitioners, and other health stakeholders.
Flagging off the event, Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel John Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, commended Helen Keller International for supporting the celebration, noting that the initiative aligns with the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, which prioritizes the development of a healthy population in a safe and serene environment, with particular emphasis on disease control.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Director of Public Health Services, Dr. Antia Etop, described the 2026 World NTDs Day theme, “Unite, Act and Eliminate NTDs,” as timely and relevant, stressing that it supports the achievement of Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals in Akwa Ibom State.
Dr. John urged stakeholders, development partners, and residents of the State to sustain their support for initiatives targeted at eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases and improving community health outcomes.
Speaking on the significance of the event, the Country Director of Helen Keller International, Mr. Aliyu Mohammed, disclosed that the organization has been operating in Akwa Ibom State for over a decade, working closely with the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies to combat NTDs such as hydrocele, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminthiasis.
Represented by the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Mrs. Bello Oluwabusayo, Mr. Mohammed explained that these diseases are often prevalent in unhygienic environments, adding that Helen Keller International has successfully treated over 26 million people nationwide, including school-aged children, for schistosomiasis and other NTDs.
Participants at the road show
He stated that the observance of World NTDs Day is aimed at accelerating efforts toward the elimination of NTDs by 2030, while urging residents of Akwa Ibom State to maintain clean and healthy environments as a preventive measure.
“We have managed 52 cases of lymphedema, while individuals suffering from scabies, rabies, snake bites, Buruli ulcers, and elephantiasis have also received treatment,” Mrs. Bello revealed, noting that the organization has reached millions of school children over an 11-year period.
The Country Director further disclosed that Helen Keller International, in partnership with government agencies, has supported hydrocele surgeries for over 1,000 beneficiaries in Akwa Ibom State.
He added that the organization is currently providing NTD treatment interventions for children in seven local government areas of the State, with plans to expand the programme to other LGAs, where school-aged children will continue to benefit from preventive chemotherapy against NTDs.
Participants at the road show sponsored by Helen Keller and Akwa Ibom Ministry of Health
Earlier in his remarks, the Head of Unit, Neglected Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Health, Dr. Ime Udoh, had commended the Health Commissioner for his insightful and innovative leadership, which continues to improve health outcomes in Akwa Ibom State.
He equally appreciated Helen Keller International and other partners for their sustained support in the fight against NTDs, describing the awareness walk as a significant step toward achieving an NTD-free State.
