MOH Embarks on Mass Drugs Distribution for Neglected Tropical Diseases in Grand Kru

By. J Saye Suah/ Nov 18, 2024 

The Ministry of Health through the Grand Kru County Health Team has commenced the mass drugs administration for onchocerciasis and Lymphatic filariasis known as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). 

The Health officials said a huge consignment of drugs for people living with tropical diseases has since arrived in the county. 

The County Health Team  focus person for Neglected Tropical Diseases  Ephraim Wheal disclosed that the ongoing mass distribution of medical drugs, which will be free of charge will benefit patients with River blindness, water beg, elephantiasis amongst other illnesses. 

He emphasized that the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Health to prevent tropical diseases at the community and county levels across the country.   

Mr. Wheal is encouraging citizens with said health situation to unveil themselves to benefit from the Ministry’s ongoing initiatives within Grand Kru County. 

 The health official added that prior to the commencement; the county health team strengthen skills and core public health capacities of Officers in Charge of various health facilities, district health officers and community Health in the implementation of the drugs administration activities at the Barclayville City Hall. He told reporters at the weekend that children below five and pregnant women will be prevented from taking the drugs. 

According to Ephraim Wheal, is part of the central government obligations to rollout effective and accessible health programs to address health needs of Liberians, as such the government remain committed  to supporting the health sector of the country. 

The Grand Kru County Focus Person for Tropical diseases   noted that the government intervention follows a comprehensive survey report, pointing to the increase in neglected tropical heath conditions across the county.

Wheal indicated that the aimed of the health ministry is to reduce tropical diseases amongst the citizen’s remains a top priority of the government. 

For his part, Grand Kru county health officer Dr. Learwellie P. Craig has expressed excitement over the massive turnout of citizens for the drugs.  He said such mood by the citizens clearly reflect their commitment in being healthy. 

The head of the county health team Dr. Craig has announced that early this week a high power delegations from the Ministry of Health, that will  compromised  the  performance base  financing team that will out verification exercise, couple with the its quarterly review meeting.