Control of endemic dracunculiasis in Ebonyi state, south-eastern Nigeria

Dracunculiasis—the saddle is virtually ended

“…The reductions in Nigeria were led by the decrease of 84% in cases in Ebonyi State, which constitute 39% of the national total. The successes in Nigeria has been attributed to the systematic pond treatment, distribution and replacement of filters, intensive health education, provision of hand-dug wells, regular bore-hole installation, case management, prompt reporting and the mutual relationship between the community and the intervention team (Ogamdi and Onwe 2001;Anosike et al 2003a;Anosike et al 2003b). After the outcome in Nigeria, there is a recent involvement of President Amadou Toumani Toure of Mali with passionate advocacy, which is believed, will help in the reduction in the number of indigenous cases in Mali and probably the francophone endemic West African countries with his influence.…”

“…It has constantly deprived the local indigenes of their human socio-economic competence by limiting their work force. In southeastern Nigeria for example, it is responsible for about 11.6% decrease in the total rice crop production (Ogamdi and Onwe 2001;Anosike et al 2003b). In many communities, it has been linked with school absenteeism in addition to its primary impact on villages' health (RuizTiben and Hopkins 2006).…”