RSU: Lecture Champions Global Fight Against Neglected Tropical Diseases and WASH Nexus

In a grand ceremony held at the Dr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike Senate Building of Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, welcomed guests to the 122nd inaugural lecture.

The event was attended by the university's Governing Council, Management, Senate, Staff, and Students.

The Vice-Chancellor, in his opening remarks, expressed his delight to be part of the occasion and extended a warm welcome to all attendees, including the Chairman of the University Lectures Committee, Professor Patrick Nwinyokpugi, and the Registrar, Mrs. Ibimonia B. S. Harry.

The inaugural lecturer, Professor Gloria Ngozika Wokem, a Professor of Parasitology and Public Health, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the topic "Neglected Tropical Diseases and WASH Nexus: Breaking the Cycles for Human Sustainability."

In her lecture, Professor Wokem emphasized the importance of understanding the connection between Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).

She noted that NTDs are prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical areas, particularly among poor and marginalized communities, and are often associated with limited access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Professor Wokem began her presentation by referencing biblical times, citing the book of Leviticus, chapter 13, verses 45 to 46, which instructed the people of Israel to isolate those with leprosy and other skin diseases.

She drew a parallel between this biblical instruction and the past  COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the importance of quarantine and hygiene in preventing the spread of diseases.

The lecturer explained that NTDs can be controlled and eliminated through a combination of WASH interventions, disease-specific treatments, and community engagement.

The Professor went on to explain that NTDs are a group of diseases that are prevalent among vulnerable populations, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world, and are often associated with limited access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.

She identified 20 diseases that are classified as NTDs and emphasized the need for increased awareness, research, and funding to combat these diseases.

Professor Wokem highlighted the success story of Guinea worm disease, which has been eliminated in Nigeria, and called for continued efforts to control and eliminate other NTDs.

Professor Wokem also discussed the various cycles of NTDs, including the life cycle patterns of parasites and the transmission cycles of diseases.

She explained that breaking these cycles is crucial to controlling and eliminating NTDs, and that this can be achieved through a combination of WASH interventions, disease-specific treatments, and community engagement.

The lecturer emphasized the importance of personal hygiene, proper sanitation, and safe water in preventing the spread of NTDs.

In her conclusion, Professor Wokem called for increased collaboration and partnership among governments, international organizations, and local communities to combat NTDs.

She emphasized the need for increased research funding, improved disease surveillance, and enhanced community engagement to achieve the World Health Organization's 2030 NTD roadmap goals.

The lecturer also urged individuals to take personal responsibility for their health and hygiene, and to work together to break the cycles of NTDs.

In his closing remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, represented by a senior member of staff, thanked Professor Wokem for her insightful and thought-provoking presentation.

He commended the lecturer for her dedication to the field of NTDs and WASH, and urged the university community to take action to combat these diseases.

The Vice-Chancellor also announced that the university would be hosting a follow-up event to further discuss the issues raised by Professor Wokem and to explore ways to collaborate with other stakeholders to address the challenges posed by NTDs.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the Chairman of the University Lectures Committee, Professor Patrick Nwinyokpugi, who expressed his appreciation to the inaugural lecturer, the Vice-Chancellor, and all attendees for their participation.

He also announced that the university would be publishing Professor Wokem's lecture in a special edition of the university's journal, and that copies would be made available to the public.

The 122nd inaugural lecture was a resounding success, and it is expected that the discussions and recommendations arising from the event will contribute to a better understanding of the challenges posed by NTDs and the importance of WASH interventions in combating these diseases.

As Professor Wokem emphasized in her lecture, "We are empowered to break the cycles" of NTDs, and it is the responsibility of individuals, communities, and governments to work together to achieve this goal.

In a brief interview with journalists after the lecture, Professor Wokem reiterated the importance of collaboration and partnership in combating NTDs.

She emphasized that "NTDs are not just a Nigerian problem, but a global problem that requires a global response."

When asked about the way forward, she replied, "We need to work together to break the cycles of NTDs.

We need to increase awareness, improve disease surveillance, and enhance community engagement.

We also need to increase research funding and improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Only then can we achieve the World Health Organization's 2030 NTD roadmap goals and make a significant impact on the control and elimination of NTDs."

The inaugural lecture was a significant event in the university's calendar, and it is expected to have a lasting impact on the university community and beyond.