The Executive Chairman of Ipokia Local Government, Johnson Akohomeh Avoseh, has officially flagged off a Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) intervention programme aimed at preventing and treating Onchocerciasis (River Blindness) and Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis).
The initiative, launched at the Council Secretariat, is being implemented by the Ipokia Local Government Health Authority in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Health, with support from CBM.
The flag-off ceremony attracted key stakeholders, including the State Coordinator of the project, health officials, medical practitioners, and representatives of the local government administration, underscoring a coordinated approach to tackling public health challenges in the area.
During the sensitisation session, participants were educated on the causes and transmission of the diseases, which are largely associated with poor sanitation, unsafe water sources, and bites from infected black flies. Health experts also highlighted that symptoms of Lymphatic Filariasis may take between 10 to 20 years to manifest, making early prevention critical.
Officials further clarified that children under five years, pregnant women, and individuals with certain underlying health conditions are exempted from the drug administration exercise.
As part of the demonstration exercise, Chairman Avoseh and other government officials publicly received the preventive medications—Mectizan and Albendazole—to reinforce confidence in the safety and effectiveness of the treatment, which is being distributed free of charge to residents.
The programme, scheduled to run from March 25 to March 30, 2026, will cover multiple communities across Ipokia Local Government, with the objective of reducing disease prevalence, improving public health outcomes, and ultimately eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases in the region.
Health authorities say the intervention represents a critical step toward strengthening grassroots healthcare delivery and safeguarding vulnerable populations from preventable diseases.