The Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), in collaboration with the ENDFUND, Ministry of Education, and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has successfully carried out a school-based Mass Drug Administration (MDA) exercise to control Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) and Schistosomiasis among school-aged children in Edo State.
The programme commenced on the 18th of June 2026 and is expected to run through to 25th of June 2026 across all 18 Local Government Areas for Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) while Schistosomiasis intervention is also being carried out in schools in selected endemic wards across 12 LGAs namely Akoko Edo, Oredo, Ovia South West, Owan West, Owan East, Esan North East, Esan South East, Esan West, Etsako East, Etsako Central, and Etsako West.
The exercise involved the administration of Albendazole tablets to children aged 5 to 14 years across all LGAs to treat and prevent intestinal worm infections. In addition, treatment for Schistosomiasis commonly referred to as “blood in urine,” was also administered in schools located in the endemic wards of the 12 selected LGA.
The Executive Secretary EDSPHCDA Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia also supervised some schools in Ikpoba LGA.
Speaking during the exercise, the Executive Secretary EDSPHCDA, Dr. Coulson Osoikhia, expressed gratitude to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okphebholo for prioritizing the implementation of Primary Health Care, noting that disease prevention and control at the community level remains the bedrock of public health.
He further commended the Executive Chairman of Edo SUBEB Hon. Ebanehita Sonia Omonzane and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education Mr. Enodolomwanyi Otamere, for their invaluable support in making the school-based MDA treatment successful.
Also speaking, the Director of Disease Control and Immunization, Dr. Eseigbe Efeomon emphasized the importance of conducting this activity once or twice annually to protect the wellbeing of children in Edo State.
The State NTD Coordinator, Mrs. Poko Happy thanked all stakeholders for partnering to ensure the success of the exercise. She stated that before the activity, LGA supervisors, education officers, and other stakeholders were engaged and trained to ensure clarity of roles. Meanwhile, parents and guardians were notified through their various school platforms to obtain their consent before administering the drugs to their children in school.
Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Schistosomiasis are neglected tropical diseases that pose serious risks to children’s health and education. Soil Transmitted Helminths causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, anemia, malnutrition, and stunted growth, while Schistosomiasis can lead to blood in urine, abdominal pain, diarrhea, liver and spleen enlargement, and chronic fatigue. These conditions impair cognitive development, reduce school attendance, and negatively affect learning outcomes.
During the mass administration of medicines for soil-transmitted helminths across schools in the State, a few pupils passed out live worms after taking the medication, a clear indication of the impact and effectiveness of the intervention.