The Executive Secretary, Yobe state Primary Health Care Board, PHCB, Dr. Babagana Kundi Machina has raised the alarm that some neglected tropical diseases are still threatening them in Yobe state. Machina raises this concern during the media briefing to mark the year 2022 World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe state.
He disclosed that some of the diseases that are still endemic in the state are; lymphatic filariasis (LF); Onchocerciasis (river blindness), soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH); trachoma, and schistosomiasis, among others.
According to Dr. Machina, the said diseases are currently amongst the 20 top tropical diseases considered to have been neglected which are the focus of the World Health Organisation’s road map for elimination.
The Executive Secretary revealed that in collaboration with other partners, his office in the state has succeeded in constructing some new and rehabilitated sanitation facilities located at strategic public places, constructed water facilities in schools and communities, drug supply management, and Mass Drug Administration (MDA).
The PHCB boss lamented that though insecurity has continued to be bent in some local governments, the late arrival of some drugs as orchestrated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as poor support from some communities, are some of the major challenges being faced by the agency.
