The Environmental Health Service Disease Control Department in Ona Ara Local Government Area, Oyo State, has launched a Mass Administration of Medicine program to combat Onchocerciasis, River Blindness, or ‘Nárun’ in Yoruba.
This new campaign, which includes distributing Mectizan and educating local communities, was launched with a stakeholders’ meeting yesterday.
Speaking at the meeting, Rasidat Omowunmi Popoola, the Council Director of Environmental Health Services and Disease Control, emphasized the goal of getting Mectizan to every part of Ona Ara.
This disease which can cause visual impairment or complete blindness is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected female blackflies from the genus Simulium, which breeds near fast-flowing rivers and streams, hence the name “river blindness”.
“The importance of this gathering is to sensitize our communities and inform stakeholders about our initiative to curb Onchocerciasis,” she said, adding that officers would work in all 11 wards to ensure the campaign reaches everyone.
Popoola also called for strong support from community leaders to maintain proper sanitation and push for an Open Defecation-Free status in the area. She encouraged certified communities to keep this status by using handwashing facilities and following sanitation practices.
Representing the local government chairman, Dr. Kolapo Glorious, Chief of Staff Isiaka Arinola urged leaders to promote awareness about Mectizan’s role in preventing River Blindness. He said, “Community leaders should mobilize their networks to help spread information about this life-changing medicine.”
The acting Deputy Director of the Environmental Health Department from Inukan Local Council Development Area, Adegoke Temitope, explained that River Blindness is caused by Onchocerca volvulus, which can cause severe itching, skin conditions, and even blindness if untreated. He provided guidance on the safe administration of Mectizan to help communities use it effectively.
The Supervisory Councillor for Environmental Health, Idris Olapade, encouraged residents to support the field officers and advised market leaders and stakeholders to keep sanitation rules, especially the weekly clean-up on Thursdays.
In separate remarks, representatives from the Ministry of Health, including Johnson Olutayo Michael and Bunmi Layinka, stressed the importance of involving all stakeholders to make the MAM program a success.
Jemila Aliyu, former State Coordinator for Neglected Tropical Diseases, expressed her support for the initiative, promising continued backing for the Ministry of Health’s efforts across the 31 affected local government areas in Oyo State.
