By Yang Ater
Health authorities in Awerial County, Lakes State, are set to administer preventive treatment for Elephantiasis and River Blindness to at least 62,000 people.
Elephantiasis, a tropical disease mainly transmitted by nematodes (roundworms), causes swelling of the legs, arms, breast, or abdomen when transmitted through mosquito bites.
River Blindness, on the other hand, is caused by the filarial worm Onchocerca volvulus, which is transmitted through repeated bites of infected blackflies, leading to poor vision at night if left untreated.
Abraham Taban Maker, the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Coordinator for Lakes State, stated on Wednesday that the upcoming campaign aims to reach 62,000 people in Awerial County with preventive drugs for these two diseases.
“In Lakes State, only two counties, Awerial and Wulu, have been selected for this campaign due to the number of cases recorded by the health department,” Maker explained.
“We are reaching out to everyone here to take the drugs, which are safe. The only people excluded are lactating mothers, the very sick, pregnant women, and children under five years old.”
Chuol Buoth, the National Supervisor for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD), said the campaign is targeting people living along the Nile and Gel Rivers in Lakes State.
“This campaign is very important for your life. You cannot wait until you fall sick and seek medication. Take these drugs now to prevent sickness,” Buoth urged.
“All the people living along the River Nile are targeted to take the drugs for prevention. The campaign will last for five days, and I am encouraging the community to turn up for this important exercise.”