The Bauchi State Government has announced the inauguration of treatment for victims of snake bites.
This is coming after the state recorded seven deaths from snake bites while an unspecified number of people were treated and healed in 2022.
It stated that the treatment will commence at Duguri treatment center in Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state.
The Executive Secretary, Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BASPHCDA), Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, stated this while briefing newsmen on the 2023 World Neglected Tropical Disease (NTDs), on Monday in Bauchi.
He said that the state government has procured drugs worth N1 million for the treatment of patients.
According to him, six staff were trained on management and treatment of patients in the facility.
“We have renovated the facility and six staff were trained in Kaltungo to manage and treat patients coming with snake bites. The agency also has to procure the anti-venom which will be handed over to ward development committee (WDC) as revolving drugs.
“The present administration is concerned over the burden of snake bites, especially in Duguri community,” he added.
Speaking on some other neglected diseases, he said that the state has five NTDs that includes; Onchocerciasis (River blindness), Lymphatic Filariasis Schistosomiasis (Blood in urine) and Trachoma.
“The endemicity situation in the state is as follows; – Onchocerciasis (River blindness) is in 12 Local Government Areas (LGAs), Lymphatic Filariasis (Swelling of limbs) in 11 LGAs, Schistosomiasis (Blood in urine) in 19 LGAs.
“Trachoma (Eyelashes rubbing on eyeball) is also in two 2LGAs. All these diseases have a devastating effect and direct link to the economy and wellbeing of humanity,” he said.
The Chairman said that in 2022, the state conducted some activities on NTDs elimination.
He said that the Federal Ministry of Health has procured 3,170,000 doses of Albendazole Tablets among others.
The Chairman said that surgery was conducted for 405 people with hydrocele in Toro, Misau and Itas-Gadau LGAs while 950 people benefited from Trachomatous Trichiasis surgery in 13 LGAs in the state.
He appreciated Mitosath and other development partners for their continued support in eliminating NTDs
