Ahead of the 2024 World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day celebration scheduled to hold on 30th January in Awka, the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria, PPSN, South East Zone has sought the collaboration of Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, in the fight against these diseases.

 

Some of these diseases include, “Eni-ule”, medically called Buruli ulcer, and caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium ulcerans, hookworm, snake bite, rabies from dogs, among others.

 

Speaking when they paid a courtesy visit to the Managing Director Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, Sir Chido Obidiegwu, the Chairman of PPSN South East Neglected Tropical Diseases, NTDs, Committee, Professor Ifeanyi Ike, explained that people do not know much about the tropical diseases, which he noted have been widely eradicated in advanced countries but still a menace in third world countries.

 

He disclosed that the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike will be the Keynote speaker at the event that will be held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

 

While commending the ABS boss for what the station is doing in the information sector of Anambra State and beyond, the group said that as partners in providing health information, they will be excited to partner and work closely with the station in the fight against NTDs, beginning with the 2024 World NTDs Day celebration.

 

Responding, the Managing Director of ABS, Sir Chido, who noted that people die because of lack of knowledge, said creating awareness is needed to get people properly informed about the diseases.

 

He commended the group for supporting the Soludo administration to achieve livable and prosperous homeland by helping to ensure that there is a healthy populace, saying that the Governor is intentional about what he is doing in the health sector of the state.

 

The ABS boss instantly offered the group opportunity to feature on live programmes of the station, and further promised the station’s partnership with the group in achieving set objectives.

 

Correspondent, Joseph Egbeocha reports that part of the PPSN delegation were the Coordinator, PPSN, South East Zone, Professor Nkeiruka Orji, Secretary, Committee on World NTDs Day celebration, Mrs Mediatrix Idigo, and Member, Committee on World NTDs Day celebration, Mrs Loretta Nwanesi, while the Acting Director of News and Current Affairs of the ABS, Mrs Judy Jeff

 

Nwabueze, Director of Legal Department, Barrister Julie Amasiatu, among other management staff joined in receiving the team.