The Cross River State Coordinator of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Control and Elimination Programme, Mr. Godwin Umeji, has attributed the spread of onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, in the state to the influx of foreigners, particularly from neighbouring Cameroon.
Key Highlights
- 16 of Cross River State’s 18 local government areas are endemic for onchocerciasis.
- Eight local government areas have higher rates of onchocerciasis transmission and require treatment twice yearly.
- The highly endemic areas include Odukpani, Boki, Akamkpa, Etung, Obanliku, Ogoja, Biase and Yakurr.
- Abi and Calabar South are the only two local government areas not currently classified as endemic.
- Onchocerciasis is transmitted by black flies that breed around fast-flowing rivers and streams and can cause blindness if left untreated.
- The NTD coordinator called for stronger cross-border surveillance, increased funding and greater community participation to control the disease.
Speaking with our reporter in Calabar, Umeji disclosed that onchocerciasis is currently endemic in 16 of the 18 local government areas of Cross River State.
Eight Cross River LGAs Record High Onchocerciasis Transmission
According to the state coordinator, eight of the 16 endemic local government areas have particularly high levels of disease transmission, making it necessary for residents to receive treatment twice yearly.
He identified the highly endemic local government areas as Odukpani, Boki, Akamkpa, Etung, Obanliku, Ogoja, Biase and Yakurr.
Umeji said Abi and Calabar South are the two local government areas in the state that are not endemic for onchocerciasis.
He explained that onchocerciasis is prevalent in areas with fast-flowing water, where black flies transmit the parasite Onchocerca volvulus.
According to him, the parasite can remain in the human body for many years if the disease is not properly treated.
Onchocerciasis Can Cause Blindness
Umeji warned that untreated onchocerciasis can lead to serious health complications, including blindness.
He said the first round of treatment in the eight highly endemic local government areas was conducted in June, while the second round is scheduled for November this year.
The state coordinator stressed the importance of sustained treatment and surveillance to reduce transmission and prevent complications associated with the disease.
Cross-Border Collaboration Needed To Control Disease
Umeji attributed the spread of onchocerciasis in Cross River partly to the influx of foreigners, particularly Cameroonians, and called for stronger collaboration between neighbouring communities in Nigeria and Cameroon.
He advocated increased cross-border surveillance and disease-control measures, especially in areas with high population movement between the two countries.
He also called for mass surveillance, routine checks after treatment and strategic meetings involving stakeholders, including community leaders and traditional rulers.
According to him, health officers at the local government level should also receive regular training to improve disease detection, treatment and prevention.
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Community Engagement, Funding Key To NTD Control
Umeji said regular engagement with stakeholders would strengthen public awareness and community participation in the fight against neglected tropical diseases.
He noted that community engagement was particularly important in addressing cultural practices that sometimes affect the distribution and acceptance of medicines.
The NTD coordinator further called for increased government funding to support interventions aimed at preventing and controlling neglected tropical diseases across Cross River State.
He stressed that sustained investment in surveillance, treatment, health education and community mobilisation would be essential to reducing the burden of onchocerciasis in the state.
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