King Dakolo calls for sustained action against neglected tropical disease in Bayelsa

By Inegbagha Majesty 

The Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, has called for sustained, community-driven action in the ongoing fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Bayelsa State.

From L-R HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo 

King Dakolo, made the call when officials from the Federal and State Ministries of Health’s Public Health Department (NTDs Programme) and representatives of the Christian Blind Mission (CBM) paid him a courtesy visit at the Traditional Rulers Council Secretariat in Yenagoa.

The Royal Father expressed concern that Africa continues to suffer from preventable diseases due to weak health systems and excessive dependence on foreign aid. 

King Dakolo therefore urged the Ministry of Health and its partners to prioritize sustainable solutions that build local capacity, promote preventive care, and restore confidence in the health system, rather than relying solely on periodic intervention exercises.

The Majesty who also serves as an Ambassador of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) commended the Ministry of Health and its partners for their commitment to improving public health across the state. 

He assured the visiting team of the Council’s readiness to collaborate closely with the Ministry and development partners to strengthen awareness, promote healthy practices, and ensure full community participation in ongoing health campaigns.

Earlier, the Federal Ministry of Health representative, Mr. Akpobari Asaah, commended the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council for its active support and collaboration in implementing NTD initiatives. He expressed optimism that such partnerships between government and traditional institutions would accelerate the elimination of NTDs across the country.

In his remarks, the State Coordinator for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Dr. Tabowei Churchill, briefed the Royal Father on the achievements of the NTDs programme in Bayelsa. He highlighted the success of recent Train-the-Trainers sessions and the progress recorded in disease surveillance and management across several Local Government Areas.o

Dr. Tabowei also acknowledged the contributions of partners such as CBM, UNICEF, and the Federal Ministry of Health, noting that their collaboration has been instrumental in advancing the state’s public health objectives.

Also speaking, the CBM Programme Officer for Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs. Chioma Uzor, appreciated King Dakolo for his leadership and advocacy, highlighting the challenges faced by people living with conditions such as elephantiasis. She called for increased awareness and community-led support for affected individuals.

The courtesy visit ended with a renewed commitment by all stakeholders — the Traditional Institution, the Bayelsa State Ministry of Health, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Christian Blind Mission — to deepen collaboration, sustain public enlightenment, and strengthen ongoing efforts toward the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Bayelsa State.