The Public Health Department of the Federal Capital Territory Authority has warned that river blindness is endemic in Abuja’s six councils.

The health department announced that it had commenced an annual house-to-house treatment of river blindness elephantiasis for persons above five years.

The acting Secretary, Health and Human Services Secretariat, Mohammed Kawu, said this on Tuesday at the inauguration of the exercise in the Kuchigoro community, Abuja.

Mr Kawu said the exercise was under the 2021 Mass Administration of Medicine for onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis.

He was represented by Doris John, acting Director of the Public Health Department.

Dr John said the exercise was part of the government’s control strategy to prevent, reduce the spread, and eradicate some of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

According to Abdrahman Sadiq, Head of the Public Health Department, FCTA, elephantiasis is endemic in Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwlada, while river blindness is endemic in all six area councils.

Sadiq was represented by Musa Alhassan, Deputy Director, Disease Control Division, Public Health Department, FCTA.

“Presently lymphatic filariasis disease is endemic in Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwlada and like area councils, while onchocerciasis is endemic in all six area councils,” said Mr Sadiq.

He explained that the department, with Christofel Blinden Mission’s support, would give out free medication and treated mosquito nets to prevent the spread of malaria.

The CBM Country Director, Bright Ekweremadu, represented by Joseph Kumbur, Neglected Tropical Disease (NTDs), expressed their commitment to improving the nation’s health system.

(NAN)