The Helen Keller International (HKI) is partnering with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health to strengthen efforts aimed at identifying and eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) across the state.
The collaboration was highlighted during the flag-off of activities to commemorate the 2026 World NTDs Day, where the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, commended Helen Keller International for sustaining interventions against NTDs in the state.
Speaking through the Technical Adviser on Health, Dr. Etop Antai, the commissioner noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which prioritizes the development of a healthy population and a clean, serene environment, with special focus on disease prevention and control.
Dr. John described the 2026 World NTDs Day theme: “Unite, Act and Eliminate NTDs,” as timely and relevant, stressing that it supports the state’s drive towards achieving universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Earlier, the Country Director of Helen Keller International, Mr. Aliyu Mohammed, said the organisation has operated in Akwa Ibom State for the past 11 years, implementing interventions to address NTDs and other diseases, particularly soil-transmitted infections prevalent among school-age children.
Represented by the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Mrs. Bello Oluwabusayo, Mohammed explained that NTDs, which thrive in unhygienic environments, negatively affect the health and academic performance of children, many of whom suffer from malnutrition and other complications.
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She stated that the World NTDs Day celebration is aimed at mobilising stakeholders and communities towards the global goal of eliminating NTDs by 2030.
She urged residents of the state to maintain clean environments to reduce disease transmission and encouraged individuals with symptoms of NTDs to seek prompt care at nearby health facilities.
Mohammed revealed that, in partnership with government agencies, Helen Keller International has supported hydrocele surgeries for over 1,000 beneficiaries in Akwa Ibom State.
She added that the organisation has also managed 52 lymphoedema cases and provided care for patients with conditions such as scabies, rabies, snake bites, chronic ulcers, and elephantiasis.
The event featured a road walk from the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat in Uyo to the Ibom Plaza Amphitheatre, with participation from directors of the state Ministry of Health, staff of Helen Keller International, media practitioners, and other health workers.
