UNICEF, US donors laud Osun community’s success over tropical diseases

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United States National Committee (US NATCOM) for UNICEF have commended the Faji community in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State for its remarkable success in eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and attaining open defecation-free status.

The commendation came during a town hall meeting organized by the Osun State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Rural Water and Environmental Sanitation Agency (RUWESA), with support from UNICEF. The event was part of the assessment visit of US NATCOM donors to communities implementing the NTD-WASH integration programme in Osun.

UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Saeed, described Faji as a model of community-led public health achievement, noting that the community successfully interrupted the transmission of Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis through strong collaboration among residents, health workers, and local authorities.

“Faji demonstrates that neglected tropical diseases are preventable and treatable when communities unite with their leaders and health workers. Sustainability is key, which is why continued investment in hygiene through toilets and handwashing is so important,” Saeed said.

President and Chief Executive Officer of UNICEF USA, Mr. Michael Nyenhuis, said the visit allowed donors to witness firsthand the impact of their support. He commended the community’s commitment to building stronger, healthier lives and said he would share their success stories to inspire others in the United States.

General Manager of RUWESA, Mrs. Ibidun Odelola, expressed delight that Faji had become open defecation-free, noting that every household now has a toilet and handwashing facility, which has improved hygiene and reduced disease spread.

State Coordinator for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Dr. Abiodun Boladale, said Odo-Otin Local Government had passed the Federal Ministry of Health’s transmission assessment test for Lymphatic Filariasis, showing that the infection was no longer transmissible in the area.

He added that six communities—Faji, Okuku, Asi, Asaba, Oyan, and Ilesa—had achieved open defecation-free status under the UNICEF-supported NTD-WASH integration programme, as residents appealed for continued supply of preventive medicines such as Mectizan and Albendazole to sustain the progress recorded.