Yesterday, in a landmark move toward eradicating Onchocerciasis, commonly referred to as “Nárun” in Yoruba, the Environmental Health Service Disease Control Department of Ona Ara Local Government launched a Mass Administration of Medicine (MAM) initiative. The initiative commenced with a stakeholders’ meeting that marked the beginning of Mectizan usage to local communities.
In her opening address, Sanitarian Popoola Rasidat Omowunmi, Director of Environmental Health Services and Disease Control and Local Neglected Tropical Disease (LNTD) Coordinator for Ona Ara LGA, highlighted the importance of this gathering to spread awareness across Ona Ara’s communities. “Our focus is to inform all stakeholders about the launch of this initiative to curb Onchocerciasis and ensure that Mectizan reaches every corner of our Local Government,” she stated, adding that officers would be deployed across Wards 1 through 11 to support the campaign.
Sanitarian Popoola also emphasized Ona Ara’s ongoing efforts to achieve Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status. She called for the sustained support of local stakeholders to ensure that all households and public places have adequate toilets and maintain proper sanitation. She urged certified communities to retain their ODF status by incorporating handwashing facilities and upholding comprehensive sanitation practices.
Representing the Ona Ara Local Government Chairman, Dr. Temitope Kolapo GLORIOUS, Chief of Staff Hon. Isiaka Arinola encouraged community leaders to mobilize their networks and increase awareness of Mectizan’s crucial role in combating Onchocerciasis. “This medicine is our collective defense against a debilitating disease that has affected our communities for too long. It’s essential that everyone understands its significance,” Arinola stressed.
Mr. Adegoke Temitope, Acting Deputy Director of the Environmental Health Department at Inukan LCDA, offered guidance on the safe administration of Mectizan. He explained its role in treating Onchocerciasis, a disease caused by Onchocerca volvulus that can lead to severe skin conditions, relentless itching, and even blindness if untreated. He noted safety precautions for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, young children, breastfeeding mothers, individuals with kidney conditions, and the elderly.
Hon. Idris Olapade, Supervisory Councillor for Environment, commended Sanitarian Popoola’s dedication to public health and her leadership in launching this initiative. He encouraged residents to support field officers as they distribute Mectizan, reminding market leaders and stakeholders to adhere strictly to the sanitation protocols observed each Thursday.
Goodwill messages were delivered by prominent attendees, including Hon. Sunmonu Babatunde, Secretary to the Local Government; traditional leaders represented by Oba Qamarudeen Oniladuntan of Laduntan, Baale Gbada Efon, Babaloja of Ona Ara Local Government Chief Moradeyo Adebayo; and Comrade Rahmon Alawode, Youth Leader of Ona Ara. Support was also voiced by representatives from the League of Imams, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Park Management System (PMS), Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Community Development Councils (CDCs), the Fulani/Hausa Community, and other community organizations.
Alhaja Sanitarian Jemila Aliyu (Retd.), former State Coordinator for Neglected Tropical Diseases (SNTD), expressed her gratitude and pledged her continued support for the Ministry of Health’s efforts across all 31 endemic LGAs. She urged all stakeholders to ensure the success of the MAM initiative in their communities.
Also present was Sanitarian Jimoh Sikiru, Deputy Director of Ona Ara LGA. In his address, Mr. Johnson Olutayo Michael, representing the Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of complete stakeholder involvement to achieve MAM’s success across the LGA.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Mrs. Layinka Bunmi, Acting Director of the Environmental Health Department at Inukan LCDA, who praised stakeholders for their commitment to public health in Ona Ara.
