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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Fresh hope is in sight for 100 men and boys living with hydrocele in Cross River State as Helen Keller International, in partnership with the state government, prepares to provide free hydrocelectomy surgeries.
The intervention, the third phase of the hydrocele surgery programme, will see 50 beneficiaries treated at General Hospital Akamkpa and another 50 at General Hospital Obubra.
It targets persons aged 15 years and above affected by complications of lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis.
Speaking at a one-day morbidity management and disability prevention planning meeting in Calabar, the Cross River State Coordinator of Helen Keller International, Unyime Ekpoudia, said the organisation remains committed to supporting the state’s efforts to eliminate neglected tropical diseases
She explained that the planning meeting was convened to develop a clear implementation plan for the next phase of surgeries and to ensure quality care for beneficiaries. According to her, the two selected hospitals will also receive referrals from neighbouring local government areas.
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Ekpoudia said the intervention is aimed at restoring the dignity, confidence and livelihoods of affected persons who have endured physical discomfort and social stigma.
She added that beneficiaries will be placed under observation after surgery and scheduled for follow-up at 10 to 14 days, two weeks and one month after discharge to monitor healing and detect complications early.
Representing the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Jonah Bassey Offor, said the surgeries would help beneficiaries regain their dignity and capacity to live productive lives.
The State Coordinator of the Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Programme, Godwin Omeji, advocated for the activation of selected primary healthcare centres to provide hydrocele surgery and appealed for increased budgetary support for outreaches and post-surgery monitoring.
The exercise aims to strengthen the prevention, treatment and control of neglected tropical diseases, in line with the World Health Organisation’s target to eliminate them by 2030.
