The Zamfara Government says it has earmarked N100 million in the 2020 budget to eradicate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) from the state.
The Commissioner of Health, Alhaji Yahaya Kanoma disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Gusau on Thursday.
Kanoma said: “this is part of the state government commitments under Governor Bello Matawalle in supporting the eradication of NTDs from the state.
“Globally, NTDs cause 530,000 death and more than 60 million disabilities annually.
“In Nigeria, alone 100 million people are at risks of one or more of the neglected tropical diseases which include Trachoma, River Blindness, Elephantiasis, Bilhazia and intestestinal Worms.
“In Zamfara state, we are also not left alone, as the whole 14 local government areas of the state are endemic for Elephantiasis disease.
“Six of the 14 LGAs that comprised Anka, Bukkuyum, Bungudu, Maru, Tsafe and Zurmi are also endemic for Rivers Blindness “, the Commissioner said.
According to him, the state government as part of its commitments to eradicate the NTDs from the state, has increased its budgetary allocation to N100 million for the year 2020.
He appreciated the efforts of Non Governmental Organizations supporting the Ministry, especially the Sightsavers for their kind gestures to the health care sector of the state.
He called on the people to take the medication for the control of NTDs provided by the state government in collaboration with the Sightsavers.
