Edo to include NTDs treatment in polio vaccination

The Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency says the prevention and treatment of Neglected Tropical Diseases will be included in the second round of Oral Polio vaccination in the state.

The Health Education Officer, EDSPHCDA, Mrs Irene Uabor, disclosed this during the Social Mobilisation Committee Stakeholders meeting for the second round of polio vaccination in the state on Thursday in Benin.

Uabor said NTDs drugs (tablets) would be given to children above five years and adults in the six endemic local government areas of the state.

She listed the areas as Akoko Edo, Owan East, Owan West, Ovia North East, Ovia South West and Uhunmwonde.

She added that “Tablets would be given against NTDs like river blindness, schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminths (parasitic worms).”

She explained that the second round of the polio vaccination for children under five years would commence on Nov 11 and run till Nov. 16.

The Director, Essential Drugs and Logistics,Mr Valentine Eruaga, commended the state’s performance in the first round of the oral polio vaccination.

He said that the achievement was made possible by all stakeholders, and called for more support in the second round of the exercise.

“Edo recorded about 106 per cent in the first round of the oral polio vaccination. We should not relent in our efforts; let’s look at areas that we did not do well and improve.”