The Department of Animal and Environmental Biology of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, on Thursday last week marked the 2020 World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day with a seminar aimed at drawing attention to diseases that are common in the tropics but that are largely not accorded deserved attention.
Speaking at the event, the acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige appreciated the Department for living up to its mandate of creating awareness on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD), adding that governments and Nigerians have major roles to play in the eradication of these Tropical Diseases that are largely ignored by concerned authorities and of which the people are largely ignorant.
He stressed that the set goal of eradicating them by the year 2030 would be achieved with combine efforts of all stakeholders.
According to the Dean of Science, Prof. F. O. Akinwunmi, the Department has a role to play in ensuring that these tropical diseases are eradicated or greatly reduced even before the set target of year 2030.
Two guest lecturers; Dr. O. M. Akanbi and Dr. (Mrs.) G. Ajakaiye presented papers on the theme for this year’s edition, ‘A New Dawn in the Fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases.’
These diseases include Schistosomiasis (caused by infection with freshwater parasitic worms), Ascariasis (roundworm parasite that lives in the small intestine and sometimes causes nutritional deficiencies), Trachoma (bacterial infection that affects the eyes), Dengue fever (mosquito-borne viral disease), Filariasis (parasitic disease that affects the lymph nodes), River blindness, Pork tapeworm Infection, and Rabies, among others.
The Acting Head, Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Dr. D.O Odedeyi appreciated both staff and students that graced the event and urged them to educate as many members of their immediate community as possible.
World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) day is celebrated annually on January 30
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