World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day: A Call for Political Actors to Strengthen Healthcare Landscape in Moro LGA
By: Ibraheem Olasunkanmi Qoseem
One of the toughest conversations to have as far as Moro Local Government Area council is concerned is to discuss on the development landscape of the region. Many wannabe sociopolitical princes and princesses would resort to engage you with baseless development indices just to prove loyalty to their paymasters. The bitter truth is that, we are far from the embellished false narrative that ours is fair compare to other councils in the State, worst still is the healthcare sector of the region. Moro has a population of around 108,000 spreading across more than 600 villages, sadly, it is serviced by just twenty something healthcare centers. Yet, the functionality of these facilities is questionable with limited by manpower shortages and inadequate resources.
Today, 30th January 2025, is earmarked to raise awareness about Neglected Tropical Diseases(NTDs) and to advocate for funding to end NTDs. NTDs are group of diseases with high mortality and morbidity rates, especially in low-income regions like Moro. The World Health Organization recognizes more than twenty diseases as NTDs, including schistosomiasis, dengue fever, river blindness and leprosy among many others. These diseases are termed “neglected” because, unlike HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, they receive significantly less attention and resources, despite affecting over 1.5 billion people worldwide.
For us at the grassroots level, this global crisis means that the most affected populations are in regions with poor access to comprehensive healthcare, clean water, and proper sanitation. These diseases are not distant medical terminologies; they are a reality we face every day. When you see someone with a swollen scrotum (Ipa in Yoruba), swollen legs, people without fingers or limbs (Adete in Yoruba), or even blindness, know that these are not spiritual afflictions but biological one.
NTDs are often transmitted through contaminated water, food, soil, and interactions with domestic or wild animals, these are indications that we are vulnerable and less data are available to draw away critical points; because our healthcare facilities are often inadequate. When such arise people would be forced to seek treatment at General Hospital Ilorin or University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, making most of the facilities overburdened. Some of these diseases that can ordinarily be managed if our primary healthcare are functional. This is our shared reality, one that demands action from all of us, particularly those in leadership positions.
One inspiring figure who exemplifies the power of leadership in health advocacy is former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Carter, through the Carter Center, has dedicated much of his post-presidential life to combating NTDs, particularly Guinea worm disease. His leadership has been instrumental in reducing Guinea worm cases globally by more than 99%, bringing the disease to the brink of eradication. Carter’s work teaches us that political leaders can have a profound impact on public health when they prioritize the well-being of their citizens over political convenience.
To our political leaders-Senator, House of Representative member, State House of Assembly representative, Chairman, and Councillors-there is no better time to prioritize our well-being than now. The uncertainty surrounding continued funding WHO’s programmes should inspire us to take proactive steps in developing our healthcare system. Our requests are modest but urgent: we respectfully call for the improvement of existing healthcare centers in Moro, by ensuring they are equipped to handle NTDs and other health issues. Additionally, providing access to clean water and proper sanitation is essential in preventing the spread of these diseases.
Dear respected members of Moro community, It is not enough to hope for a better future without taking concrete action. Every indigenous Moro resident dreams of better healthcare services, but this dream will only be realized through active citizenship, by holding our leaders accountable and demanding improvements in healthcare infrastructure. Posterity is already judging past leadership for their neglect, and it is time for current leaders to take decisive steps to rectify these oversights. Yes, the ball is y(our) court!
Ibraheem Olasunkanmi Qoseem is a Medical Laboratory Scientist writes from Moro LGA. He can be reached via: 08084683622 or ibraheemqoseem100@gmail.com