Sightsavers urges more awareness on free treatment of lymphatic filariasis
Awareness
By Dorathy Aninge
Makurdi, Dec 14, 2025 (NAN) Sightsavers, an international charity organisation, has urged media practitioners to create awareness on free treatment for lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis.
The call was made at a two-day workshop organised by Sightsavers for journalists in Makurdi.
Mr Mark Debam, State Coordinator, Programme for Eradication of Lymphatic Filariasis in Benue, while presenting his paper, described lymphatic filariasis as a disease caused by microscopic worms transmitted through mosquito bites.
Dabam stated that there was a plan to eradicate the disease by the year 2030 through prevention and proper treatment.
The state coordinator said people were scared to go for treatment and surgery for fear of the unknown, while some are ashamed to come out and talk.
“This disease also affects the vulva, but with the right treatment, this would be eradicated.
“The treatment and drugs are practically free, and those in the villages can walk into any primary health care to access treatment except if the case is severe; then they can be referred to the general hospital.
“Most of these people are just looking for someone to talk to and explain to them how the treatment works.
“If you create the awareness, you will see them start taking their drugs without pressure, which is why we need the media to help create this awareness.
“We have to talk to those in the rural areas, especially those that have poor hygiene and poor water facilities, to enable them to take the drugs for prevention, which is also free.
“This programme has managed 442 lymphoedema cases and 1064 hydrocele cases, and we hope to do more by 2030,” Debam said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the participating journalists produced jingles and other messages that would be aired on radio for listeners.
NAN also reports that the jingles, which were produced in Pidgin, Tiv, Idoma and Igede languages, carried the message on the causes, symptoms and treatment of lymphatic filariasis.
NAN further reported that Sightsavers’ efforts to eradicate lymphatic filariasis in Benue by 2030 are supported by the Benue Ministry of Health and Human Services. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).
DAJ/PAT
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Edited by Peter Amine