Ebonyi Has Kicked Out Guinea Worm- Commissioner

The Ebonyi State Governmnent had not recorded any guinea-worm infection case since 2007, the Commissioner for Health and Environment, Dr Sunday Nwangele, said.

He told newsmen in Abakaliki that the feat was achieved through various government efforts toward eliminating water-borne diseases.

Nwangele said: “Ebonyi State was known for guinea-worm infestation for several years but today I am glad to say that our efforts and policies on water, sanitation and health have curbed this development.

“The government has both upgraded and protected the Ezillo water scheme and commenced two other gigantic water schemes at Oferekpe and Ukawu to further improve on the water consumed in the state.

“The water projects will reticulate potable water to every part of Ebonyi State, rural and urban centres, while sanitary officers have commenced house-to-house inspection as part of our efforts to maintain clean and healthy environment.”

Nwangele said the government had embarked on other measures to tame the environment and make it safe to live in.

According to the commissioner, the state of the environment has a gross influence on the health of the inhabitants.

“The Ministry of Local Government will continue to collaborate with the Environmental Health Registration Council and other professional bodies to ensure that healthy environment is maintained at the grassroots,” he said.