|
20 March 2014
By Raheem Oluwafunminiyi
On March 3rd 2014, The Jimmy
Carter Center in Atlanta Georgia was noticeably alive
as the 18th River Blindness [Elimination]
Program Review kicked off in full swing. The
conference, which holds annually, was graced by world
leading epidemiologists and entomologists, public
health advocates and country Ministry of Health
coordinators, particularly from countries with endemic
Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) and those with
partner relationship with The Carter Foundation. In
attendance also were prominent donors or
representatives associated with the Carter Center in
their homogenous and broad pursuit of peace, disease
eradication and human capacity training.
The conference was opened by Dr. Frank
Richards Jr. Director, Carter Center River Blindness (RB),
Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), Schistosomiasis (SCH), ML
Programs, who began by looking at River Blindness
eradication efforts, challenges and recorded successes
since the 2013 Review session. In his declaration, he
reminded the panel of the purpose of the review, which
according to him include an examination of The Carter
Center assisted River Blindness (RB), Lymphatic
Filariasis (LF), Schistosomiasis (SCH) programs
together with represented partners from country
Ministry of Health, assess targets reached during the
previous year, review problems encountered in
fulfilling set objectives and set new goals or
objectives for the year 2014. He further urged the
panel to evaluate and appreciate innovative efforts or
concepts of integration otherwise called Integrated
Vector Management (IVM).
The World Health Organization in 2011
issued a statement in support of Integrated Vector
Management (IVM) citing improved cost effectiveness in
vector control operations and strengthening the
capacity of programs as well, as it pertains to
Lymphatic Filariasis (LF)/Malaria, Lymphatic
Filariasis (LF) and River Blindness elimination in
endemic regions of Africa and particularly, Nigeria.
The Integrated Vector Management (IVM) had encouraged
an estimated treatment target of about 20 million in
2013, a remarkable jump from the number of previous
years. Although a little more than 15 million
treatment target was met, it however was considered a
success.
River Blindness or Onchocerciasis is a
disease that affects the eye and skin brought by a
nematode called Onchocerca Volvulus. It is one of the
neglected tropical diseases Neglected Tropical Disease
(NTD) endemic in South Eastern Nigeria. It is
parasitic in nature and caused by an infection
resulting from several bites from a black fly often
found in areas with fast flowing streams. According to
the WHO, 30 countries in Africa are considered endemic
with an estimated population of 85 million. Almost
half of those numbers live in Nigeria.
Common symptoms include itching of
skin, rashes or papules often tightening of skin
tissue akin to a lizard skin. The accompanying
inflammatory response leads to glaucoma type effect
that may lead to irreversible blindness if not treated
on time. Treatment is effected by the administration
of a drug called Ivermectin (Mectizan), a Merck
Company product, once or twice a year for about 15
years. An antibiotic doxycycline has also been used to
hasten treatment when properly indicated.
Embracing the shift from control to
elimination, The Carter Center has adopted a "scale
up" modality in the treatment of River Blindness. To
enable the Centre and its partners achieve this goal,
twice-a-year and sometimes four-times-a-year treatment
regimens have been encouraged, particularly in regions
where transmission persists. Such an aggressive
approach requires coordinated and collaborative
efforts from each country's Ministry of Health, The
Carter Center and most certainly supportive funding
from donor organizations.
It is here that Sir Emeka Offor, the
Executive Vice Chairman of a multi-billion dollar oil
and gas conglomerate, has risen to augment the
on-going global efforts towards the elimination and
eradication of River Blindness from Nigeria. Through
his corporate responsibility arm, The Sir Emeka Offor
Foundation, he donated over US$250,000 personally to
the Carter Center during the year 2013. At this year's
review at The Carter Center in Atlanta, Sir Emeka
Offor through his representative Dr. Edwin Ndukwe,
renewed his commitment to the fight against River
Blindness and further pledged provision of supportive
logistics to advance efforts made by The Carter Center.
Till date, Sir Emeka Offor remains the largest
independent African donor in the world towards the
elimination and eradication of River Blindness in
Nigeria, a statement verified from the Center's
spokesperson.
While speaking at the closing of the
review session, Dr. Ndukwe commended the team of
doctors, epidemiologists and entomologists for their
persistence in the River Blindness elimination
project. In his words, he said "I commend the Carter
Center for bringing together these colourful and quite
frankly, brilliant ensemble of scientific icons that
are committed to wiping out the scourge of River
Blindness from our region". He further referred to
them as "Iconoclasts", stating that through their
unique disciplines, they are "breaking new grounds,
stretching scientific borders and redefining
scientific research standards." Dr. Ndukwe reaffirmed
Sir Emeka Offor's passion for the on-going work
against River Blindness and believes the disease will
sooner than expected be wiped out of many societies
living with it.
With this monumental exploit through
the River Blindness [Elimination] Program Review, it
is hoped The Jimmy Carter Center in partnership with
Sir Emeka Offor will break further barriers in the
fight against not only River Blindness but other
health challenges which threatens the longevity and
healthy existence of mankind.
Raheem
Oluwafunminiyi wrote via raheemfunminiyi@rediffmail.com |
Add Comments