The World Health Organisation is partnering National Association of Seadogs over the distribution and administration of drugs on Neglected Tropical Diseases to over 900 communities in Cross River State. The move is to stem the spread of about seven NTDs which had been identified to be prevalent in some communities in the state.

The NTDs are Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis), Onchocerciasis, Trachoma, Schistosomiasis (snail fever), Trichuriasis (whipworm), Ascariasis (roundworm) and Hookworm.

Drugs to be administered are Mectizan and Albendazole, while mosquito-treated nets will be distributed alongside. These drugs are free and they are meant to help reduce the scourge of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), which include Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis), Onchocerciasis, Trachoma, Schistosomiasis (snail fever), Trichuriasis (whipworm), Ascariasis (roundworm) and Hookworm.

National President of NAS, Prince Ifeanyi Onochie, said the association decided to use Cross River as the pilot scheme for the partnership with WHO because of the endemic status of these diseases in parts of Cross River State. Onochie, who spoke through the Head of Medical Services, Dr. Ofem Enang, said the NAS Medical Mission is made up mainly of health professionals and would ensure free distribution of the drugs to identified communities through its volunteer members.

Culled from Punch Newspapers. Read full story here.