OSUN GOVT. APPLAUDS AMEN HEALTH CARE AND EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION FOR ELIMINATION OF NTDs IN THE STATE

By Segilola Babalola

The Osun State Government has commended AMEN Health Care and Empowerment Foundation, as well as its implementing partners for the prevention, control, and elimination of Neglected Topical Diseases (NTDs) in the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Barr. Jola Akintola, gave the commendation on behalf of the State Government during the stakeholders' meeting on NTDs and the Transmission Assessment Survey 1 (TAS1), held at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Health, Osogbo.

The Commissioner emphasized that Osun State is proud to have AMEN in the state, stressing that since their commencement of activities in 2018, the foundation has collaborated with the State Government to conduct house-to-house distribution of medicine for Onchocerciasis, Lymphatic Filariasis, Schistosomiasis, and Soil-Transmitted Helminths in all the 30 local government areas (LGAs) across the state, reaching all eligible persons.

He maintained that the Foundation also manages conditions arising from NTD morbidity, including Elephantiasis, and conducts free hydrocele surgeries, noting that the it has trained health workers and case finders who conduct active case searches from house to house in every community across the state, to identify affected individuals and ensure proper management and enlistment of hydrocele patients.

He explained further that the foundation has also conducted skills training and provided eye care services via distribution of eye glasses and  cataract surgeries, endearing them to people in communities across the state. 

According to him, "In 2022, the pre-Transmission Assessment Survey was conducted and passed in 15 LGAs of the state. It is no surprise that these 15 LGAs have once again conducted and passed the 2024 TAS1. They include; Odo-Otin, Ila, Atakunmosa West, Ife East, Boripe, Ifelodun, Irewole, Ayedire, Ede North, Egbedore, Irepodun, Olorunda, Obokun, Oriade, and Ejigbo LGAs, stated the Commissioner.

He opined that the outstanding achievement is a testament to the exceptional quality of work done by AMEN Foundation through  comprehensive coverage and meticulous execution without compromise.

While appreciating the AMEN foundation, Barr. Akintola also used the occasion to appreciate the Federal Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and the State Ministry of Health for their efforts in conducting the assessment and ensuring that all eligible persons are reached.

In his goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr. Akindele Adekunle gave kudos to AMEN Foundation for their commitment to the NTDs programme, assuring them of unflinching government support.

Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary Health Care Development, Dr. Michael Oyerinde, noted that AMEN Foundation has firmly established itself in Osun based on the tremendous work they are doing, asserting that the State Government is very proud to have the Foundation in the state.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Isiaka Adekunle, stated that the transmission and assessment survey on NTDs in the state is an opportunity to discuss the challenges encountered in the field and how to navigate them.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Kehinde Jimoh, appreciated the collaborative efforts of the Ministries of Health and Education, the Federal Ministry of Health, and AMEN Foundation for the program's success, assuring continued collaboration.

In her goodwill message, Mrs. Augustine Vera, the representative of NLFEP, Manager FMOH, South West from Abuja, who declared that Osun is a peaceful state, acknowledged the commitment and contributions of all stakeholders to the programme's success and called for continued efforts towards achieving greater heights.

Mrs. Dorcas Mernul, representing the National Coordination of the NTDs, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, presented the outcome and assessment survey on NTDs in the state. She reported that the assessment survey conducted in nine evaluation units comprising 15 LGAs in Osun State, was initially challenging but ultimately successful.

The State Coordinator of NTDs, Dr. Abiodun Boladale elatedly noted that, based on the performance of the NTD survey, Osun State is progressing from red to green on the scorecard.

Delivering his vote of thanks, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Akeem Bello, applauded the State Government for creating an enabling environment to carry out the survey and thanked the AMEN Foundation and other stakeholders for their support and collaboration in ensuring the success of the programme.