We are Working Towards Elimination of NTD in CRS, Veronica Mark

Iloke Egbe 

The State Programme Coordinator, Neglected Tropical Disease Cross River NTD-CR, Pastor Veronica Mark has expressed excitement on the progress and achievements recorded in the fight towards the elimination of Neglected Tropical Disease in the State. She disclosed this during a two day Programme Review and micro-planning workshop for 2026, held at the Conference hall, Central Medicine Store, Barracks Road Calabar. 

She informed that, the review meeting was very important to keep all Stakeholders focused on the strategic framework and goal of eliminating Neglected Tropical Disease in the State as a mechanism to support and improve the State economy, adding that a healthy economy is built by healthy people. 

She admitted that the State is endemic to four NTD, spread to 14 Local Government Areas while the micro-planning is to administer treatment for soil  transmitter Helminthiasis to eradicate worms related diseases amongst school children between the ages five, etc that good health is central to development and children remain the backbone of the future of any society, therefore, they need to be protected by preventing them from being vulnerable to preventable diseases that can impact negatively on their health and education. 

According to Mrs. Mark, the commitment of stakeholders in the eradication of Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis, and other NTD in the State through the support of Evidence Action has been very meaningful. She maintained that with the timely review and presentation of the Microplan for the deworming exercise, the year 2026 will record more success than 2025.

Adding his voice, the State team lead, Evidence Action, Mr. Andrew Ushie. Informed that the meeting provides them with opportunity to review the work done in 2025 and how best to improve on planning and implementation of activities. He expressed satisfaction for the commitment from all stakeholders as they are charged up for the next round of deworming exercise across the State.

The meeting featured presentation of reports LGA by LGA, discussion on templates for micro planning, agree on timeline for updated micro plan. Introduction to integrated data collection tools and reporting. Also presented was SBD MAM-STH LGAs level, SCH ward level treatment, 2026 SBD approach - use of HCWs/Education teams, and update on medicines or commodity supply chain management. 

In attendance were experts from the Federal Ministry of Health, relevant State Ministries, Departments and Agencies including Civil Society Organizations.