People getting treated for elephantiasis in Jur River. (Photo: Courtesy).
Western Bahr el Ghazal State and the partners have launched an initiative to treat 105 patients suffering from elephantiasis, including 24 women, in the state’s counties.
The Director General of the state Ministry of Health Dr. James Ambrose says the drive is aimed at addressing the severe impacts of lymphatic filariasis, which causes disfigurement and long-term disability.
Dr. Ambrose says a survey was conducted to assess the prevalence of elephantiasis in Jur River and Wau Counties.
He says starting on the 14th of this month, a treatment campaign has been launched in all health centers across the affected counties
“In 2024, we surveyed the number of people infected with elephantiasis in Jur River County, Wau, and we found that the number was about 105 infected, including 24 women and the rest men,” he said in an interview with Eye Radio.
“Since the 14th of this month, we have conducted a campaign to treat the disease in all health centers in the counties where the disease is found, namely Jur River County, Wau.”
Lymphatic filariasis, or elephantiasis, is a debilitating disease caused by parasitic nematodes (roundworms) of the Filarioidea family.
These parasites are transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes, leading to severe pain, swelling, and disfigurement
WHO reports that in 2023, 657 million people in 39 countries were living in areas that require prevention to stop the spread of infection.
Giovanna Folino briefly narrated her experience with the disease she contracted in 2020.
“I had swelling in my leg after contracting the disease in 2020 and I did not receive any treatment since that period until the doctors contacted me and provided me with treatment and I am currently receiving treatment.”
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