BY: Nmerichukwu Igweamaka
The Federal Government is to collaborate with the International Scientific Council for Research and Control of Trypanosomiasis to eradicate the scourge of the disease across the African continent.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Bitrus Nabasu disclosed this when he received a delegation of International Scientific Council for Research and Control of Trypanosomiasis who paid him a courtesy call in his office on Monday in Abuja.
Nabasu assured the delegation, that the Ministry had made adequate preparation to host the Bi-annual conference on Trypanosomiasis control slated to hold from 23rd to 27th of September 2019.
He further praised the efforts of the delegates on their roles and efforts in combating the disease on the African continent.
Mr. Nabasu further said Nigeria modeled the creation of its Trypanosomiasis research agency after that of the International Institute and expressed gratitude for the assistance received from the institute.
He also urged members of the International delegation, to inspect facilities at the Nigerian Institute of Trypanosomiasis Research and advise on possible ways the institute can improve its research activities.
Earlier, the Director for Inter African Bureau for Animal Resources, Prof. Ahmed El-Sawalhy said the challenge of the disease was an African problem which must be solved by Africans.
He highlighted the role of scientists, researchers and stakeholders, especially from the 39 member states and urged them to come up with possible solutions to control and effectively combat the disease.
The Director-General of The Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis and Onchocerciasis Research, Dr. Augustine Igwe said all hands must be on deck to control the spread of the disease. He said the disease could still recur from border nations and stressed the need to effectively fight it off.
Dr. Igwe extolled the role of the Agency in publicizing the dangers of the disease, which he described as being domiciled in rural agrarian communities and highlighted the key techniques adopted to effectively reach the populace, which includes town-hall meetings and campaign messages in the local language of the affected communities.