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By Tracy Moses
The Benue State Government has disclosed that it has successfully managed 442 cases of lymphedema and 1,064 cases of hydrocele, two debilitating complications caused by lymphatic filariasis (LF), a mosquito-borne disease that affects the body’s lymphatic system.
“Lymphedema causes persistent swelling of the legs, arms, or other parts of the body, while hydrocele leads to abnormal fluid buildup in the scrotum, resulting in painful or uncomfortable enlargement in men,” said Mark Debam, State Coordinator of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Unit of the Ministry of Health. “Both conditions, if left untreated, can result in long-term disability and social stigma.”
The disclosure was made during a two-day media engagement organised by the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services, with support from Sightsavers, in Makurdi on Monday, the state capital. The programme aimed to raise awareness about lymphatic filariasis, its causes, prevention, and treatment, while correcting misconceptions that discourage affected persons from seeking help.
“Currently, 16 LGAs in Benue are endemic to lymphatic filariasis, but mass drug administration has been discontinued in 10 LGAs following successful transmission assessment surveys,” Debam said. “This shows that our interventions are working, but we still face challenges with people not reporting their conditions.”
Debam appealed to residents experiencing swelling of limbs or scrotum to report to the nearest Primary Health Care (PHC) centres, stressing: “Treatment for lymphatic filariasis is provided free of charge by the government. There is no reason for anyone to suffer in silence.”
He explained that the state completed LF mapping in 2023, began distributing Ivermectin and Albendazole in 2014, and scaled up mass drug administration to all endemic LGAs by 2017.
Adding a human perspective, Debam shared the story of Mr. Peter Akume, a resident of Guma LGA, who was diagnosed with hydrocele last year:
“Before coming to the PHC, I could barely walk or work. Treatment has improved my condition, and I am now able to support my family again,” Akume said.
Debam identified key hurdles to eliminating LF in Benue: “Poor disclosure and under-reporting of cases, reliance on passive rather than active case searches, low awareness in communities, weak ownership of interventions, and attrition of community drug distributors due to lack of incentives are challenges we continue to face.”
Earlier, while declaring the programme open, Esther Menger, Director of Public Health in the ministry, commended Sightsavers and media practitioners: “Your engagement is critical in improving the health outcomes of people affected by lymphatic filariasis and achieving our elimination goals.”
She urged participants to actively contribute to discussions to achieve the objectives of Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP), noting: “By 2030, we aim to eliminate lymphatic filariasis and other neglected tropical diseases in all endemic LGAs in Benue State.”
Speaking on behalf of media participants, Nancy Orshi of Radio Benue assured the ministry and Sightsavers: “We are committed to sustaining partnership with the ministry and NGOs to raise awareness, encourage early reporting, and support the elimination of lymphatic filariasis in the state.”
According to global statistics, about 893 million people in 49 countries were living in areas requiring preventive treatment for lymphatic filariasis as of 2018, while an estimated 36 million people worldwide continue to live with chronic complications such as lymphedema and hydrocele.
Health experts warn that neglected tropical diseases can lead to severe health complications, social stigma, exclusion, and economic hardship, making early detection and treatment crucial.