FUNAAB Spearheads Crucial Study to Combat Parasitic Diseases in Ogun State

Abeokuta, Ogun State – The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) is at the forefront of a critical public health initiative, hosting the Ogun State Impact Assessment Team for Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH). This collaboration underscores FUNAAB’s commitment to impactful research and community well-being, particularly in tackling Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

Recent studies have highlighted the significant burden of STH and Schistosomiasis in Ogun State, with some areas reporting high prevalence rates. For instance, past data indicates that STH prevalence in parts of Ogun State can be as high as 27.5% and Schistosomiasis at 32.2% in certain LGAs, although widespread interventions like school-based mass drug administration (MDA) programs by organizations like Evidence Action have seen remarkable reductions in infection rates in some areas. This new, comprehensive study aims to provide updated data to guide future interventions.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babatunde Kehinde, recently welcomed the assessment team during a courtesy visit to the University. The delegation, led by the distinguished Consultant Lead Parasitologist and Director of FUNAAB Zoo Park, Professor Sammy Sam-Wobo, briefed the Vice-Chancellor on the ongoing, state-wide study.

Professor Sam-Wobo, a renowned Public Health Parasitologist and Epidemiologist with extensive research in helminthiasis, schistosomiasis, and other parasitic diseases, is spearheading the effort. His expertise is crucial to this study, which involves the meticulous analysis of faecal and urine samples from pupils across 40 schools in all 20 Local Government Areas of Ogun State. This extensive data collection will provide a current snapshot of infection prevalence, a vital step towards evidence-based policy decisions and programmatic interventions.

The team expressed profound gratitude to the FUNAAB Management for their invaluable support, which included granting access to the University’s Biology Laboratory, providing 16 microscopes, and supplying laboratory stools, all essential for the fieldwork. This contribution by FUNAAB showcases its dedication to facilitating critical public health research.

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Vice-Chancellor Kehinde lauded the team’s unwavering dedication to public health and research, reaffirming FUNAAB’s commitment to fostering collaborations with national and international institutions. He specifically commended Professor Sam-Wobo for his exemplary leadership and significant contributions as both a scholar and the Director of the FUNAAB Zoo Park. Professor Sam-Wobo’s extensive body of research has consistently provided hope and solutions in tackling environmental parasites and their impact on human health.

Other key members of the delegation included Mrs. Imaobong Umah, Programme Manager for Schistosomiasis/STH at the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Division of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, demonstrating the collaborative nature of this initiative with federal health authorities. Also present were Mrs. Maryam Kafol-Emiola, Deputy Director, NTDs, Ogun State Ministry of Health, signifying state-level involvement; Mrs. Maryann Edeh, South-West Manager for Evidence Action, a key implementing partner in NTD control programs across Nigeria; and Dr. Wunmi Abimbola-Okuneye, Director, DITTECS, FUNAAB, highlighting the university’s internal expertise contributing to the project.

The findings from this study are eagerly anticipated, as they will play a crucial role in shaping future strategies to reduce the burden of Schistosomiasis and STH in Ogun State, ultimately improving the health and well-being of countless school and community pupils. This proactive approach by FUNAAB and its partners underscores a collective commitment to a healthier future for the state.