Krestnews reports that no fewer than 444, 785 people with schistosomiasis disease in Nasarawa State were treated in 2023.
Dr Gaza Gwamna, Commissioner for Health made this disclosure Wednesday,Jan 31 in Lafia while addressing newsmen at an event to commemorate the 2024 World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
The Commissioner while giving the breakdown of beneficiaries of the treatment said they include 398, 768 children between ages 5-14 and 46, 017 adults.
Gwamna also added that within the year under review, 233, 960 children of school age were treated for soil transmitted Helminthes with the Mebendazole received from the Federal Ministry of Health.
He also disclosed that 9, 991 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from various communities were treated for onchocerciasis.
He said that provision of healthcare services is one of the top most priorities of the Gov. Abdullahi Sule led administration.
He added that the state in collaboration with the Carter Centre have done so much in the fight against NTDs in the state.
“Nasarawa State is one of the two states in the country that have been able to eliminate onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis and trachoma.
“We have created 11 centres tagged Hope Group Clinics across the 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) mainly to treat NTDs,” he added.
He also said 61 Local Integrated Health Team members, 265 Health Facility Staff, 888 Community Drugs Distributors 1, 866 teachers were trained to provide services in centres across the state.
Dr. Gwamns explained further that the State Ministry of Health has set higher target for 2024 toward tackling NTDs in the State.