BENIN CITY — The Edo State Government, through the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) in collaboration with ENDFUND, has commenced a statewide free hydrocelectomy and lymphedema management programme aimed at providing relief for residents living with hydrocele and lymphedema.
The intervention forms part of the government’s efforts to expand access to quality healthcare and ease the financial burden of treatment for vulnerable residents across the state.
Speaking during the exercise, the Executive Secretary of EDSPHCDA, Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia, said the programme is being implemented under the leadership of the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo with support from ENDFUND.
He noted that the surgeries and related medical services are being offered at no cost to beneficiaries, adding that the initiative is designed to reduce the physical, emotional and economic challenges faced by affected patients.
According to him, the intervention underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring that access to essential healthcare is not hindered by financial constraints.
Also speaking, the Director of Disease Control and Immunization, Dr. Eseigbe Efeomon, described hydrocele as one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) targeted by the state government for elimination.
He commended Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, the Executive Secretary of EDSPHCDA , and ENDFUND for supporting the initiative, noting that many of the beneficiaries would otherwise have been unable to afford the surgeries.
The State NTD Coordinator, Mrs. Happy Poko, disclosed that following the completion of the first phase in Edo South, the programme would continue at Obiyon Primary Healthcare Centre in Esan North East Local Government Area from May 8 to 9 for Edo Central Senatorial District.
She added that the exercise would subsequently move to the Referral Medical Centre, Afuze, in Owan East Local Government Area from May 11 to 12 for Edo North Senatorial District, to ensure equitable access across the state.
Beneficiaries of the programme expressed appreciation to the state government and its partners for the intervention.
One of the beneficiaries in Edo South, Mrs. Chinasa Endurance, whose son underwent a successful hydrocele surgery, thanked Governor Okpebholo, EDSPHCDA and ENDFUND for the support.
Similarly, Mr. Nelson Chijoike, who said he had lived with hydrocele since 2003, described the intervention as life-changing and a renewed source of hope for patients unable to afford treatment.
The first phase of the programme, held from May 5 to 6 at Oluku Primary Healthcare Centre in Edo South, recorded six successful hydrocele surgeries involving adult men and male children.
The surgeries were led by the Executive Secretary of EDSPHCDA, Dr. Osoikhia, alongside Dr. Daniel Mitohta Moses, anesthesiologist Dr. Monday Ugiagbe and other members of the surgical team.
Officials present during the exercise included Dr. Eseigbe Efeomon; the Medical Officer of Health for Ovia North East, Dr. Christian Aboh; the Officer-in-Charge of Oluku PHC, Mrs. Agho Nanasha; and the State NTD Coordinator, Mrs. Happy Poko, among other health personnel who supervised and monitored the programme.
