The campaign to treat Onchocerciasis (or river blindness), an eye and skin disease transmitted to humans through a blackfly bite, is targeting over one million people of five years and above in the state

By Makur Adut 

Lakes States Ministry of Health has launched a Mass Drugs Administration (MDA) door-to-door campaign for Onchocerciasis (river blindness).

The campaign to treat Onchocerciasis (or river blindness), an eye and skin disease transmitted to humans through a blackfly bite, is targeting over 1 million people of five years and above across the six counties of the State.

Abraham Taban Maker, the State MDA Coordinator, said the exercise will cover Rumbek North, Rumbek East, Rumbek Central, Cueibet, Yirol West and Yirol East.

“These people are going to be treated within 14 days. But, two counties, including Wulu, already had an MDA in April.”

“Awerial County should not be left behind. After we complete six counties, we will move to Awerial County.”

He said Awerial County is going to have three vaccines that will be administered at the same time.

“We are going to give out the OV medicine and then the elephantiasis medicine, then Balthazi medicine. We take these medicines at the same time. That’s why we are keen to ensure these drugs are of the necessary requirements,” he said.

Meanwhile, the other six counties, including Wulu, will receive two vaccines: IBM and albendazole.

The Rumbek Central County Medical Officer, Gol Manyiel Gol, said they are doing a campaign against two diseases, including elephantiasis and OV.

“We have drug distribution and some other 2,286 vaccination officers who will be moving door to door in the villages for the exercise,” he explained.

“Our people comply. Everyone is likely to take this medicine, including me. We are taking these drugs, even you, the journalists, and if you have not taken you can take them,” he said.

“Since the vaccination was launched, there has been no report that people are experiencing any side effects, which is good news because our people are very inquisitive and sensitive,” he said.

However, he noted a lack of awareness among the local community. “Some people in the state still lack the awareness about this campaign, particularly the cattle keepers.”

 “Some claim they cannot take these vaccines unless they have the condition. They said they should be sick first, after that, they will take the drugs.”

Manyiel assured the locals that the drugs they are administered are not meant for curing the sick but for preventing infection.