The Cross River State Government has taken a decisive step in its fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), targeting over 130 beneficiaries for free hydrocele surgeries as the intervention simultaneously commenced on Thursday in Obubra and Ogoja Local Government Areas.
Flagging off the exercise at the General Hospital, Obubra, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, declared that the initiative reflects the unwavering determination of Governor Bassey Otu to confront and eliminate diseases that have long plagued underserved communities.
Dr. Ayuk stressed that the Otu-led administration is no longer treating NTDs as a neglected issue but as a top public health priority, backed by deliberate policies, increased funding, and aggressive outreach. He noted that the current intervention, targeting 65 beneficiaries each in Obubra and Ogoja, is part of a sustained, statewide campaign to eradicate conditions such as lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis.
“This administration is intentional and resolute. We are not just responding; we are taking the fight directly to the communities where these diseases are endemic. No one will be left behind,” he said.
He emphasized that many victims of hydrocele have lived in pain and social discomfort due to lack of access to surgery, but the government is now decisively removing financial barriers and restoring dignity to affected persons.
Reinforcing this commitment, the Commissioner pointed to the 2026 state budget, which includes expanded allocations for NTD control, as well as concerted effort upgrade 14 General Hospitals across the state to strengthen healthcare delivery and support such interventions.
In his address, the Chairman of Obubra LGA, Hon. Kingsley Arikpo, represented by his Vice Chairman, Hon. Leonard Ogwa, described the outreach as a critical humanitarian intervention aimed at relieving men burdened by hydrocele. He noted that the condition, which causes swelling due to fluid accumulation in the scrotum, has long affected many who cannot afford treatment, making the free surgery initiative both timely and impactful.
He commended Governor Bassey Otu for his people-first leadership and for creating the enabling environment for collaboration with partners like Helen Keller International. He also appreciated the Commissioner for Health for choosing Obubra as a central hub for the exercise, serving adjoining local government areas, and urged residents to take advantage of the opportunity. The Chairman further wished the beneficiaries in Obubra successful outcomes and assured that the council would continue to attract programmes that directly benefit the people.
Development partner Helen Keller International, which is supporting the programme, also commended the state’s proactive approach. Its representative, Busayo Bello, highlighted the success of previous interventions, including over 200 hydrocele surgeries conducted in 2025 without complications, attributing the achievement to strong leadership and coordination by the state.
Similarly, the South-South Zonal Coordinator for NTDs, Mr. Chris Odueze, described Cross River as a leading example in the region, noting that the state’s progress since 2023 reflects a clear commitment driven by effective leadership and policy direction.
General Hospital Obubra, Dr. Francis Ovat, said the exercise would significantly ease the burden on patients who have long endured the condition in silence, describing the intervention as timely and impactful.
Also speaking, the State NTD Coordinator, Mr. Godwin Omeji, urged residents to take advantage of the free services and help disseminate information to affected persons within their communities.
Kingsley Agim
