The Edo State Government, through the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) in partnership with ENDFUND, has commenced a free hydrocelectomy and lymphedema management program to support residents suffering from hydrocele and lymphedema across the state.
The initiative is part of the government’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare services and reducing the financial burden of medical treatment on affected residents.
Speaking during the program, the Executive Secretary EDSPHCDA, Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia, explained that the surgeries are being carried out under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, with support from ENDFUND. He emphasized that the services are completely free and aimed at easing the physical, emotional, and financial burden faced by patients. According to him, the intervention will ensure that residents can access life-changing treatment without cost being a barrier.
Also speaking, the Director of Disease Control and Immunization, Dr. Eseigbe Efeomon, noted that hydrocele is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) being targeted for eradication by the Edo State Government. He appreciated the efforts of His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Honourable Commissioner for Health Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, the Executive Secretary EDSPHCDA, Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia, and ENDFUND for bringing this intervention to the people, especially for patients who would otherwise not have been able to afford the surgeries.
In the same vein, the State NTD Coordinator, Mrs. Happy Poko, confirmed that after the initial surgeries in Edo South, the program will continue at Obiyon Primary Healthcare Center, Esan North East, from May 8 to 9, 2026, for Edo Central, and at the Referral Medical Center, Afuze, Owan East, for Edo North, from May 11 to 12, 2026, to ensure residents across the three senatorial districts benefit from the intervention.
The impact of the program is already being felt by beneficiaries and their families. Addressing the press, one of the beneficiaries in Edo South, Mrs. Chinasa Endurance, whose son received free hydrocele surgery, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Governor, Senator Monday Okphebholo, the Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the ENDFUND for the support provided.
Similarly, Mr. Nelson Chijoike, who revealed that he had been living with hydrocele and experiencing pain since 2003, thanked the Edo State Government and its partners for bringing free surgery closer to the people. He described the intervention as life-changing and a source of renewed hope.
The first phase of the program, which was conducted on the 5th to 6th of May, 2026, at Oluku Primary Healthcare Centre, Edo South, successfully had six hydrocele surgeries involving adult men and male children.
The surgeries were led by the Executive Secretary, EDSPHCDA, Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia, and Dr. Daniel Mitohta Moses, alongside the surgical team.
Also present during the exercise were the Director of Disease Control and Immunization, Dr. Eseigbe Efeomon; the Medical Officer of Health, Ovia North East, Dr. Christian Aboh; the Officer-in-Charge of Oluku PHC, Mrs. Agho Nanasha; and the State NTD Coordinator, Mrs. Happy Poko, and their team, who coordinated and monitored the process to ensure its success.