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Bulawayo City Council Clinical Medical Officer Dr Khulamuzi Nyathi yesterday addresses journalists during a Mass Drug Administration 2017 media briefing at the city offices

Thandeka Moyo, Health Reporter
GOVERNMENT will on Monday next week roll out a mass drug administration programme targeting both children and adults as part of efforts to fight neglected tropical diseases.

The Bulawayo City Council has urged people to participate in the programme after a study showed that 15 percent of residents in the city, especially school going children, are at risk of contracting bilharzia, elephantiasis and soil transmitted helminthiasis, among others. BCC clinical medical officer Dr Khulamuzi Nyathi dispelled claims that medication from these diseases has serious side effects which are dangerous to humans.

“It is important to know that these diseases sometimes take time to manifest especially in children. We have the normal symptoms which may not be visible but since a survey showed that most children have these, it is important that they be immunised.

“The medication has side effects and the most common one is that it causes dizziness. Over the past few years, we experienced a handful of children who became dizzy. People should understand that the tablets are safe for them as they are helpful.”

Dr Nyathi said the programme will run from October 30 to November 4.

Mrs Sihle Siziba, a health advocacy official from the local authority encouraged people to seek correct information before spreading misconceptions about the programme.

“It is important that children eat before taking the medication and we will make a provision for those without food,” she said.

Council also urged members of the public to desist from urinating in or near streams, rivers, ponds or dams and to always use a toilet to prevent tropical diseases such as bilharzia.

“They must avoid bathing in rivers, streams, ponds or dams and apply chemicals to kill snails in water sources used for recreation,” said Mrs Siziba.

“Preventing and controlling snails in irrigation schemes through flushing, drying and using chemicals will also help them reduce the risk of contracting bilharzia. They are also reminded to seek treatment immediately when they suspect Bilharzia.”

Last year the country conducted a one week immunisation programme against measles and rubella in children.

@thamamoe