Reps Urge FG To Act Fast Against The Spread Of Buruli Ulcer In Benue State

By Alkassim Bala Tsakuwa, Abuja

The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to tackle the spread of Buruli Ulcer in communities in Ushongo local government area of Benue State and spreading to other communities in the state.

The call followed a motion moved by Hon. Terseer Ugbo at Plenary on Thursday.

The lawmaker while presenting the motion informed that, Buruli Ulcer is an infectious disease locally referred to as ‘Ambi’, and has silently ravaged communities in Benue State, particularly in Ushongo Local Government Area (LGA), and has spread across the State for over a decade.

According to him, the disease was initially misunderstood as witchcraft, however Dr. Paul Orhi diagnosed the disease as Buruli Ulcer a bacterial infection requiring medical intervention rather than traditional or supernatural remedies.

Hon. Ugbo said, “Despite the availability of effective treatment methods, the disease, commonly known as ‘Ambi’, remains a threat to public health spreading at an alarming rate, causing widespread suffering, disability, and economic hardship.

“The lack of adequate diagnostic and treatment facilities has exacerbated the crisis, necessitating urgent intervention by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

“Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment can effectively cure Buruli Ulcer and prevent complications arising from late detection, such as avoidable amputations, social stigma, and substantial economic burdens on affected persons”.

The lawmaker expressed concern that the residents of Benue State can no longer endure the effects of Buruli Ulcer without proper medical intervention.

He lamented that because of the absence of a diagnostic center and laboratory close to the epicenter, samples have to be transported to Lagos for testing, resulting in false diagnosis.

He emphasised the need to establish a Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Laboratory at the NKST Aku Comprehensive Health Centre and Cottage Hospital in Ikyobo, Ushongo Local Government Area, to diagnose, treat, and control Buruli Ulcer and other communicable diseases in the region.

The House adopted the motion and urged the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to research the Buruli Ulcer disease and establish a well-equipped and functional laboratory in Ushongo Local Government Area, for the diagnosis and treatment of Buruli ulcer disease in Benue State and the country at large.

It mandates its Committee on Healthcare Services to ensure compliance and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.