Sierra Leone is on the stage of eliminating Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis
The Programme Manager, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Dr. Yakuba Madina Bah has said that due to the Mass Drugs Administration for neglected tropical diseases, Sierra Leone is on the elimination stage of Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis (Big Foot) in the country. (Photo: Programme Manager, Neglected Tropical Diseases, Dr. Yakuba Madina Bah)
He made the disclosure during a high level Technical Advisory Committee Meeting on Neglected Tropical Diseases held at the Public Health National Emergency Operations Centre, Cockerill Barracks at Wilkinson Road in Freetown.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Yakuba Bah disclosed that because the country is almost on the elimination stage of the diseases, they thought it fit to set up the Technical Advisory Committee as a preparatory stage to embark on survey to eradicate Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis across the country.
He reiterated that over the past years, his programme have been embarked on mass drugs distribution for Neglected Tropical Diseases in order to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for the elimination of the diseases.
The Programme Manager stated that as a result of the mass drugs administration, the incidence of neglected tropical diseases has reduced and the Committee set up would advise the Ministry on future diseases.
Dr. Bah said despite the successes, they are faced with many challenges including sustainability of surveillance, inadequate trained personnel for surveillance, vector control implementation, morbidity management and cross border, and internal migrations among others.
Other highlight of the meeting includes an interactive session which formed part of the meeting.
By Kadrie Koroma
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