Danjuma seeks eradication of tropical disease

[TheNation]

  Former Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd)  

Former Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), yesterday urged governments at all levels and Nigerians to collaborate with relevant agencies to eradicate tropical diseases.

He listed such diseases as river blindness, elephantiasis, worm infection, snail fever, blinding eye infection. They are prevalent in rural areas.

Danjuma addressed reporters in Jos, the Plateau State capital, at the inauguration of MITOSATH Center, which is dedicated to the control and eradication of neglected tropical diseases.

He said: “I am from Taraba State and I know firsthand what River blindness (onchocerciasis) is. I have seen victims of this scourge. The itching is horrible and it will take all of us working together to eliminate this once and for, all from our continent.

“There are unprecedented and generous donations of drugs from private company, which needs to be complemented. It is heartbreaking to see lives continually destroyed by these diseases and direct intervention strategy can help to reach communities that are in need; hence, the appeal to all of us – governments, private businesses, scientists, NGOs and the communities - to work together. Nothing is too small and nobody is too poor to contribute to put smiles on the faces of the victims.”

 



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