Oyo State Launches Mass Deworming Campaign to Reach 5 Million Residents As Free Health Exercise Aims to Eliminate River Blindness and Lymphatic Filariasis in the State

… As Gov. Makinde Commits N30 Million to Support Mass Deworming Campaign in the state

… As Oyo state Partners with Development Partners to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases

Oyo state government has disclosed that over 5 million residents would benefit from the 2024 mass deworming campaign and mass administration of medicines against river blindness and lymphatic filariasis in the state.

The commissioner for health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Adetumobi who disclosed this at a press conference to flag off the exercise, urged communities and residents to fully participate in the free health exercise which would be safely administered from house to house.

Dr Ajetumobi also explained that the free deworming exercise has been scheduled to end on the 30th November 2024, as over 700 trained health workers along with over 16,000 dedicated volunteers have been mobilized to administer the various medications and create public awareness to improve the overall health of the people.

She said that “In light of these pressing health issues, I urge everyone in our communities to participate actively in the ongoing free deworming campaign scheduled from November 21 to November 30, 2024.

“We have mobilized over 700 trained health workers along with more than 16,000 dedicated volunteers who will be actively participating in this year’s free deworming campaign targeting 5,243,979 at risk individuals aged 5 years and above across 31 local government areas in our state to safely administer these medicines from house-to house.

“Their commitment and hard work are vital as they will be responsible for administering medications and educating the public about these diseases.

“This extensive campaign is crucial for reducing the prevalence of these diseases and Improving the overall health of our communities.

” It is crucial for all eligible individuals- especially children aged 5 years and above to take these tablets as they play a vital role in controlling these diseases.

“The administration of these medications not only protects Individual health but also contributes significantly to community-wide efforts aimed at eliminating these diseases altogether.

“In alignment with the SDG’s Living No One Behind”, every eligible person shall be treated. No one should be discriminated against as a due to socioeconomic status, religion, ethnicity, sex, political affiliation or disability status in the course of this campaign.

“I encourage parents and guardians to ensure their children receive these treatments during the campaign period.

“Health workers will be available at designated centers throughout our communities to provide information and distribute medications safely.

“Let me, on behalf of the Oyo state Government express my heartfelt gratitude to several key partners who have made this Initiative possible: International donor partners, especially the Mectizan Donation Program and GlaxoSmithKline, for their generous provision of essential medicines for treating onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis, respectively.

“The World Health Organization (WHO), whose guidance and support have been Invaluable in securing the medicines.

“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which has provided critical resources and oversight to ensure that we meet our public health goals.

“The ChristoffelBlinden Mission International (CBM), which has offered both financial assistance and technical expertise throughout this process at this critical time of need supporting mass deworming and free hydrocele surgeries in the state.

“To my colleagues, LGA chairmen, traditional leaders and the good people of Oyo state who have committed to eliminating these diseases in our state, I appreciate your support.

“I would like to express profound appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, for his exemplary leadership and for providing a conducive environment for partners to operate effectively.

“The collaborative efforts of these critical stakeholders exemplify a shared commitment to improving health outcomes in our state

“As a responsible government, the Oyo State Ministry of Health will continue to provide the enabling environment and infrastructure to ensure smooth collaboration with supporting partners.

‘Together, we can make significant strides toward eliminating river blindness and lymphatic filariasis in Oyo State.

“Together, we can make a significant impact towards the elimination of river blindness and lymphatic filariasis in our region.

“Your participation in this deworming initiative is essential for safeguarding our health and improving our quality of life.

‘ Let us work together towards a healthier future free from these debilitating diseases.

While acknowledging that Governor Seyi Makinde has provided about 30 million naira as counterpart funding with support from development partners in ensuring the success of the exercise, the commissioner for health expressed commitment to end most of the diseases identified as Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) by 2030.

In their goodwill messages, some of the development partners and representative from the Federal Government pledged their resolve to continue to work with the Oyo state government in reduces the rate of NTDs in the state as well as its negative impact to the society.