Ministerial press briefing on national health scheme II

ABSTRACT

Onchocerciasis; popularly known as River Blindness Disease has been recognised as a public health problem in Nigeria since 1906. Nigeria is highly endemic for this disease to the level that 40of the world case; i.e. 6.9 million out of 17.8 million; are believed to exist in the country. The manufacturer of the effective drug (MECTIZAN); Merck; sharp and Dohme; has promised to make the drug available to Nigeria free of charge for as long as it is required; however; the distribution cost to the rural; endemic areas; estimated at N15.00 per dose; is being financed by the Federal Government. The National Mectizan Treatment Project was launched in 1991 at Minna Niger State with 16 Honourable Commissioners for Health acting as co-launchers in attendance under the Chairmanship of His Excellency; the then State Military Governor