Imo State Commemorates 2026 World Neglected Tropical Disease Day 

By Okere Bibian

The Imo State Government, through the Ministry of Health, has commemorated the 2026 World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day with a press conference and an awareness walk, reaffirming its commitment to the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases in the state

The commemoration, held in line with the global observance of World NTDs Day marked annually on January 30, was carried out under the theme “Unite, Act, and Eliminate NTDs.” The event featured a sensitization walk from the Primary Health Care Development Agency to the State Secretariat along Port Harcourt Road, aimed at raising public awareness on the dangers of NTDs and the importance of collective action in tackling them.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Sir Kennedy Adinnu, represented the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Egu during the press conference.

He highlighted the progress recorded by Imo State in the fight against NTDs through sustained partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and development partners, particularly The Carter Center, which has supported NTD interventions in the state since 1998.

Adinnu disclosed that the transmission of River Blindness (Onchocerciasis) and Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis) has been successfully interrupted in Imo State, leading to the stoppage of mass drug administration in 27 Local Government Areas based on recommendations from the Federal Ministry of Health.

He added that significant progress has also been recorded in the control of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis.

In her welcome address, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Uloma Evi-Parker, called for sustained collaboration among government institutions, communities, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and development partners in the collective fight to eliminate NTDs in Imo State and Nigeria at large.

She emphasized the importance of community participation, environmental sanitation, and adherence to preventive health practices.

Dr. Evi-Parker also encouraged residents to support NTD control efforts by keeping their environment clean, avoiding contact with contaminated water, washing fruits and vegetables before consumption, stopping open defecation, wearing protective footwear while farming, sleeping under insecticide-treated nets, and seeking prompt medical attention when symptoms occur.

The Ministry further announced the availability of free hydrocele surgeries for persons affected by Lymphatic Filariasis at designated hospitals, including Specialist Hospital Umugwuma, Ngor-Okpala General Hospital, Okigwe General Hospital, and Awo-Omamma General Hospital, urging affected individuals to register and access the free services.

The event also witnessed the participation of members of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), IMSU Chapter, alongside health professionals and other stakeholders.

The programme was organized by the Imo State Ministry of Health in collaboration with The Carter Center, as part of ongoing efforts to protect public health and eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases in the state.