The State Coordinator of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Control and Elimination programme, Akwa Ibom State, Dr Aniekeme Uwah JP has commended the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno for establishing the new Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in the state.
The new ministry, which has been mandated to ensure adequate potable water supply in the state with focus on our schools as well as ensuring reduction in open defeacation through the provisions of toilet facilities in various schools are very important components of WASH ( Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), which is a very critical strategy in the control of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) especially the Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH) or intestinal worms.
STH is a preventive chemotherapy NTDs which is endemic in all the Local Government Areas in the state. The 3 (three) common types are round worm ( ascaris lumbricoides), whip worm( trichuris trichuria) and hook worm( necator americanus or ancylostoma duodenale).
STH has a huge negative impact on maternal and child health. The impact includes anaemia in pregnancy which could lead to Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), Intrauterine Death (IUD) and even maternal death due to severe anaemia.
In the child, it could lead to malnutrition, poor physical development and reduced cognitive functions leading to poor academic performance.
Akwa Ibom State is indeed moving in the right direction under the leadership of Pastor Umo Eno.
ARISE, Akwa Ibom State above NTDs.