The Delta State Government through the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (DSPHCDA) in collaboration with The Carter Center (TCC) has launched Free Hydrocele Surgeries and Management of Elephantiasis across the state beginning from October 17, 2025.
Announcing the commencement of the campaign in a broadcast held at his office in Asaba, Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, said the exercise reaffirms the State Government’s MORE Agenda on Health Security led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Dr Onojaeme said “this is a bold medical approach for curing and redressing complications associated with Lymphatic Filariasis. Like other Neglected Tropical Diseases, Lymphatic Filariasis which is parasitic is transmitted through the bites of infected Mosquitoes often leading to severe physical disabilities like Lymphoedema of the genitals and limbs. These come with social discrimination, loss of job, psychological distress and economic depression”.
According to the Health Commissioner, the partnership between the Delta State Government and The Carter Center and the policy trust of the Federal Ministry of Health on the Neglected Tropical Diseases over the years has helped in reducing the disease burden immeasurably.
He noted that while the active Annual Community Directed Mass Administration of Drugs is ongoing and has interrupted the transmission of some of the Neglected Tropical Diseases in the State, our resolve is to attain an elimination status of all Neglected Tropical Diseases in the State.
While encouraging the public to direct all affected individuals to take advantage of this free medical services, Dr Onojaeme disclosed that the surgeries will be carried out at the following designated hospitals:
Asaba Specialist Hospital; 17th – 31st October, 2025
Eku Baptist Government Hospital: 20th – 31st October, 2025
Central Hospital, Warri: 20th – 31st October, 2025
