Today 30th January the world marks Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Speaking on West Fm, Head of the department of public health, sanitation and environment in Bungoma county, Alfred Aure Nyongesa stated that the day is marked as a way to remind the people that the disease is becoming a threat to their lives and the ignorance surrounding it needs to stop. He added that the key issue leading to the rise of the tropical diseases is poor hygiene and the high temperatures in the tropical regions.
”In Bungoma county, a survey that was conducted by the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) in conjunction with the county government stated that bilharzias, Tuangiasis (caused by jiggers), and parasitic disease are among the top neglected tropical diseases in Bungoma county, especially in the villages”, he stated. Some of the signs and symptoms he highlighted that one can be spotted with while suffering from these diseases include; loss of appetite, infertility in men, nausea, fever, diarrhea, lack of blood in the body, urinating blood and also during the long call, prostate cancer in men and cervical cancer in women, deformation of toes among others.
”AMREF is one of the key organizations that are helping us in breaking transmission of the diseases and also issuing medication to those affected. Creating awareness in every sub-county by identifying a specific schools to work with, community volunteers who are educating people at a household level and also the church together with those involved in water and sanitation are some of the people the county government is working with to help the people of Bungoma”, said Nyongesa.
Nyongesa advised the general public to observe a high level of cleanliness by making sure they wash their hands with clean water and soap, wash well food and fruits that are eaten raw, eat well-cooked food, build toilets and bathrooms and also make sure their bedding are clean. Deworming after every three months is another measure that the residents have been advised to observe.
