Akwa Ibom Marks World NTDs Day with Road Walk, Renews Commitment to Disease Elimination by 2030

By Asuquo Edem

The Akwa Ibom State Government, in collaboration with Helen Keller and other health partners, on January 30 marked the 2026 World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day with a road walk across major streets of Uyo, the state capital, to raise public awareness and mobilise support for the elimination of NTDs.

World NTDs Day, observed annually on January 30, is dedicated to drawing global attention to diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. The 2026 celebration aligns with global efforts to eliminate NTDs through prevention, treatment and sustained community engagement.

Speaking at the event, the Country Director of Helen Keller International, Aliyu Mohammed, who was represented by Bello Oluwabusayo, reaffirmed the organisation’s long-standing partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health in combating neglected tropical diseases.

Oluwabusayo explained that Helen Keller International has implemented sustained interventions targeting diseases such as lymphatic filariasis, which causes elephantiasis, onchocerciasis (river blindness), and other NTDs affecting school-aged children across the state.

According to him, the organisation has successfully carried out hydrocele surgeries for 1,031 beneficiaries and has also managed 52 cases of lymphoedema, significantly improving the quality of life of affected persons.

He added that Helen Keller International is intensifying efforts to eliminate NTDs including schistosomiasis, scabies and other related diseases in line with the global target of 2030.

Oluwabusayo urged residents experiencing symptoms of NTDs to visit any Primary Health Centre (PHC) across the state, register their details, and benefit from free medical interventions and surgeries sponsored by Helen Keller International.

He also advised indigenes to maintain a high standard of personal and environmental hygiene, stressing that cleanliness remains a key preventive measure against the spread of neglected tropical diseases.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, was represented at the event by Dr. Etop Antia, who commended stakeholders for their collective efforts and reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and sustaining NTD control and elimination programmes across Akwa Ibom State.

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