It has emerged that about 44 million Nigerians across 34 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are at risk and indeed need treatment for the schistosomiasis disease.
The disease also known as bilharzia, according to health experts, is caused by flatworms and spread through stagnant water, adding that it affects an estimated 249 million people around the world, 90% of them in sub Sahara Africa.
Statistics shows that up to 200,000 people in Africa die each year from chronic inflection with the parasite which has been largely determined in Nigeria with exception of Borno and Adamawa States with security challenges.
This was disclosed recently in Abuja at the symbolic administration of praziquantel tablets to school children.
In her address, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Amina Shamaki said, Nigeria has the highest burden of Neglected Tropical Disease in Sub Sahara in Africa.
According to her, "The high burden of worms in Nigeria is a matter of concern."
Credits: THISDAY
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