. Admits Isiyaku, 14 other members into College of Fellows
The Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria, PPSN has urged government at all levels to make adequate provision of funds for disease control and elimination in the country for the overall good of the citizens.
The PPSN President, Prof. Sammy Sam-Wobo made the call at the closing ceremony of 47th Annual Conference and commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Society held in Owerri, weekend.
Sam-Wobo, a professor of Parasitology and Public Health, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, regretted that control and elimination of diseases in Nigeria had been donor-driven with little or no support from the governments.
“The problem we have had over time in Nigeria is that the control and elimination of diseases have been donor-driven, which means that it is the external people putting in their money.
“It is one thing to make provisions for disease control and elimination in the country’s budget, and another thing to ensure the release of funds. Generally, the control and elimination of diseases funding is low in Nigeria”, he said.
The Society also admitted 15 members into its College of Fellows in recognition of their contributions towards the elimination and control of diseases in Nigeria, Africa and the society at large.
The Fellows admitted included Dr Sunday Isiyaku, Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria and Ghana, Prof. Andy Egwunyenga, Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Florence Nduka, Prof. Ehizogie Egbeobauwaye-Adeyemi, Prof. Alexander Odaibo, Prof. Nkiruka Orji and Prof. Onyinye Ukpai.
Others are Prof. Rebecca Naphtali, Prof. Abdulhamid Ahmed, Prof. Dennis Aribodor, Prof. Kenneth Opara, Dr Sam Ugbomoiko, Prof. Olaoluwa Akinwale, Prof. Okpok Okon and Chief Benjamin Nwobi, who are all parasitology and public health experts.
Speaking to newsmen, Isiyaku who expressed joy over the honour bestowed on him, assured that PPSN will continue to partner the Federal Ministry of Health in the control and elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria, Africa and globally.
The Parasitology expert disclosed that his organisation, Sightsaver has provided treatment of NTDs to over 590 million globally through partnership with governments and other development partners.
He said, “Sightsavers, in collaboration with state governments and development partners, has interrupted transmission of onchocerciasis and trachoma in four states in northwest Nigeria. We focus on preventing avoidable causes of blindness and promoting equality for people with disabilities.”
“I don’t think there is any greater recognition that one can receive apart from the one received from peers who recognises your contributions to parasitology and public health.
“I could not have reached where I am without the contribution of my organisation, Sightsaver who gave me the platform to work hard and contribute my quota towards the elimination of neglected tropical disease,” he added.
