Health Ministry celebrates elimination of river blindness around Budongo forest
Eyotu noted that since the elimination of the disease, stigma has reduced, school enrolment has increased, and people are now actively engaged in productive activities.
Masindi: The Ministry of Health has celebrated the elimination of river blindness, scientifically known as onchocerciasis (locally called Kisararu), in the Budongo focus area. The ministry called for continued collective efforts to eliminate all Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Uganda.
This was during the National Commemoration of Neglected Tropical Diseases Day held at Nyantonzi Health Centre III in Nyantonzi Sub-county, Masindi District on Thursday.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Alfred Mubangizi, the National NTDs Coordinator at the Ministry of Health, revealed that the government has been combating river blindness in 17 focus areas across the country where the disease had become a serious health concern. He noted that the disease not only caused stigma and discrimination but also affected productivity in the affected communities.
Dr. Mubangizi explained that the government launched an aggressive campaign to control the disease and eliminate the black flies, the vectors responsible for spreading it.
He added that the Ministry of Health has so far eliminated river blindness in 15 out of the 17 focus areas, including the Budongo focus area, which covers communities adjacent to Budongo Forest in Masindi, Hoima, and Buliisa districts.
Dr. Mubangizi said the national commemoration was held in Nyantonzi Sub-county because the area was once the epicenter of the disease, and the event was meant to celebrate the community’s efforts and success in eliminating one of the major NTDs.
He further noted that the commemoration was also aimed at sensitizing communities about the continued availability of treatment for other NTDs and encouraging vigilance to ensure that diseases that have been eliminated do not re-emerge.
Dr. John Turyagaruka, the former Masindi District Health Officer, revealed that river blindness was first detected in Masindi in 1989, prompting an intensive government campaign to control the disease and eradicate the black flies responsible for its transmission.
Dr. Turyagaruka explained that the campaign involved mass distribution of medication and vector control efforts, which continued until the disease was finally eliminated in the affected communities.
Sunday Eyotu, the Chairperson of Nyantonzi Sub-county, commended the government for its commitment, which led to the elimination of a disease that had caused significant discomfort, stigma, and discrimination among residents.
Eyotu noted that since the elimination of the disease, stigma has reduced, school enrolment has increased, and people are now actively engaged in productive activities.
The Prime Minister of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Andrew Byakutaaga, who attended as the chief guest, said promoting health aligns with the Kingdom’s vision of having a healthy and prosperous population by 2030.
Premier Byakutaaga therefore called for collective efforts from all stakeholders to ensure the elimination of all Neglected Tropical Diseases in Uganda.
The event attracted leaders from Masindi, Buliisa, and Hoima districts, including Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), district chairpersons, and District Health Officers.
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