The Anambra State Ministry of Health has commenced post-treatment surveillance for River Blindness (Onchocerciasis) and Lymphatic Filariasis, also known as Elephantiasis, across 259 villages in 23 endemic communities. The programme targets four cross-border local government areas: Ayamelum, Awka North, Orumba North, and Anambra East.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, during a press briefing in Awka to mark the Anambra edition of World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day. The event was organised in partnership with international bodies including the Carter Center, Sightsavers, and the Federal Ministry of Health. Dr Obidike was represented by the Director of Public Health and Disease Control, Dr Afam Anaeme.
Speaking at the briefing, Dr Obidike described NTDs as “a group of preventable and treatable infectious diseases that disproportionately affect the world’s poorest and most marginalised populations,” noting that an estimated 1.5 billion people are affected globally. He highlighted that although NTDs comprise 21 diseases, they often receive far less attention and funding than HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Lymphatic Filariasis alone causes roughly 25 million cases of hydrocele in men and more than 15 million cases of lymphoedema, commonly known as elephantiasis, worldwide. In Anambra State, four preventive chemotherapy NTDs are endemic: Onchocerciasis, Schistosomiasis, Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis, and Lymphatic Filariasis.
Dr Obidike highlighted the state’s progress in tackling these diseases through sustained partnerships and community-based interventions. He revealed that, in collaboration with the Carter Center and other partners, Anambra recently carried out free hydrocele surgeries, benefiting 176 men as part of broader efforts to eliminate NTDs.
“Neglected Tropical Diseases are not just a health issue; they are a development and global security concern,” Dr Obidike said. “Protecting at-risk populations from these debilitating diseases safeguards communities and restores hope and productivity to millions of people.”
He noted that recent studies indicate the state is approaching the elimination threshold for several NTDs, adding that elephantiasis is curable when detected early. Residents were urged to report cases of elephantiasis, hydrocele, dog and snake bites, onchocerciasis nodules, yaws, Buruli ulcer, leprosy, Guinea worm disease, and bloody urine to the nearest health facility. He also encouraged the regular use of long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets to prevent transmission of mosquito-borne diseases, including lymphatic filariasis and malaria.
On cross-border transmission, the State NTD Coordinator, Dr Emmanuel Obikwelu, said the ministry has intensified interventions in border communities, distributing Mectizan and Albendazole to populations near Kogi and Enugu States. He added that 14 treatment centres in Anambra provide free care and psychosocial support for elephantiasis patients with the backing of the Carter Center.
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The Carter Center’s Programme Officer in Anambra, Mrs Attamah Egeonu, commended the state government for its strong political will and collaboration, noting that progress was the result of collective effort across ministries, agencies, and communities. She called on residents to act as NTD ambassadors to sustain the gains already achieved.
As part of the World NTD Day activities, themed “Unite, Act, Eliminate NTDs,” students of Christ the King Seminary, Nnobi, led an awareness road walk and staged a drama illustrating the causes and prevention of schistosomiasis. Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of education agencies, academic institutions, professional bodies, and development partners.
The event reinforced calls for advocacy, sensitisation, research, and integrated strategies aimed at the complete elimination of neglected tropical diseases in Anambra State and beyond.
