Oyo Govt Calls for United Action Against Neglected Tropical Diseases

…As State marks 2026 World NTD Day, records progress in treatment, surveillance, and community sanitation

The Oyo State Government has called on all stakeholders to unite in the control, elimination, and eventual eradication of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

The call was made by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, during the commemoration of the 2026 World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day, observed annually on January 30.

Speaking at the event, which was held under the theme “Unite. Act. Eliminate.”, Dr. Ajetunmobi emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing the burden of NTDs, particularly among vulnerable populations.

She disclosed that between 2025 and 2026, Oyo State recorded notable progress in NTD prevention, surveillance, morbidity management, and community engagement.

According to her, 77 persons affected by lymphatic filariasis-related elephantiasis received care across several Local Government Areas (LGAs).

In addition, a total of 95 hydrocelectomy surgeries were carried out at Jericho Nursing Home and the General Hospital, Moniya, with 58 of the procedures fully funded by the Oyo State Government.

She noted that these interventions have significantly improved the quality of life and productivity of affected individuals.

The Commissioner further stated that surveillance and disease mapping activities were strengthened through targeted surveys conducted in eight LGAs, generating critical data to guide planning, treatment strategies, and efficient resource allocation.

She added that the State has intensified efforts to address water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) challenges linked to NTD transmission through the Community-Led Total Sanitation Plus (CLTS+) approach. Over 1,000 communities in Ibarapa East, Ona-Ara, and Egbeda LGAs were monitored, contributing to improved sanitation practices and a reduction in open defecation.

Dr. Ajetunmobi attributed these achievements to the strong political will of Governor Seyi Makinde, noting that his administration’s prioritization of health has led to increased investments and improved health systems across the State.

She announced that the Governor has approved the distribution of eight motorcycles to Local Government NTD Coordinators, particularly in LGAs that recorded low coverage during the 2024 Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM).

The initiative, she said, is aimed at improving field mobility and enhancingà last-mile service delivery.
Emphasizing the need for collaboration, the Commissioner stated that the Ministry of Health would continue to strengthen intersectoral and multisectoral partnerships involving Environmental Health Officers, relevant ministries, and agencies such as RUWASSA, SUBEB, and TESCOM.

She called on all stakeholders—including government institutions, development partners, the media, community leaders, and citizens—to sustain momentum and work together to ensure that no resident of Oyo State suffers from preventable and treatable neglected tropical diseases.

In his goodwill message, the representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Dr. Emmanuel Orimoloye, expressed concern over low treatment coverage recorded in some LGAs, noting that inadequate coverage contributes to the persistence and spread of NTDs.

He urged all LGAs and NTD Coordinators to intensify efforts to achieve adequate coverage across the State, while commending the Oyo State Government for the distribution of motorcycles, which he said would significantly enhance coordinators’ mobility and improve programme effectiveness.

In her remarks, the Oyo State NTD Coordinator, Dr. Ebunoluwa Adeoye, advocated increased funding and support from philanthropists and individuals for NTD control and elimination efforts.

She also called for greater investment in research and the development of new treatments and technologies to help create a world free from the burden of NTDs.

In her goodwill message, the representative of market men and women, Mrs. Toyin Alayande, appealed to the government to intensify sensitization efforts and provide increased support to markets, in order to promote prevention, treatment, and the eventual eradication of river blindness and elephantiasis among traders.

A major highlight of the event was the distribution of motorcycles to NTD Coordinators from eight LGAs.

Dignitaries present at the event included representatives of UNICEF, market men and women, religious and traditional leaders, students, and community leaders.