The Centre for Transdisciplinary Research in Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases (CENTRAL-NTDs) at the University of Lagos has joined in the global commemoration of the 2023 World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day.
At a media parley held at the D.K. Olukoya Central Research and Reference Laboratories on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, the Director of the Centre, Professor Wellington Oyibo, gave a detailed presentation on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), their impacts on the society, and the role of the media in the fight against them.
“Neglected Tropical Diseases are very much present with us. Little is known about them, but they are insidious and their deadly effects are there for all to see. That is why at CENTRAL-NTDs, it is our mission to drive transdisciplinary and cost-effective research that mobilises knowledge across various specialties to address the challenge of Neglected Tropical Diseases”.
A Medical Parasitologist of global renown, Professor Oyibo identified the various NTDs in his presentation, giving graphic examples of their manifestation in people who contract them. With a statistical analysis, he showed how Nigeria faired with incidences of the NTDs compared to other African countries.
“Ascariasis, Hookworm, Trichuriasis, Schisotosomiasis, and Lymphatic filariasis are some of the NTDs for which Nigeria unenviably ranks 1st in Africa in terms of prevalence. That is a sorry trend that needs to change. That is why we must act now and act together!”, he declared.
Professor Wellington Oyibo rallied members of the media and urged them support the noble cause of defeating the NTDs.
“As professional communicators, we need you to be on this train. There is little that we will achieve if we don’t take the message to the people who need the information. Our message must be informative, appealing, and one that translates to action on the part of its recipients. The issue of NTD’s is a complex problem that requires more engaging solutions. All hands must be on deck”.
The Dean of Basic Medical Sciences, Professor O. Akinloye, Professor Idowu Akande of the Department of Biochemistry, and Dr. Olunifesi Suraj of the Department of Mass Communication were notable members of the academic community present at the event.
