As part of efforts to restore the health and dignity of patients suffering from hydrocele, the Edo State Government, in collaboration with The Carter Center (TCC) through the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), has commenced free hydrocele surgeries for confirmed cases across the state.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Ministry of Health in Benin City, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, described hydrocele as a debilitating condition that causes swelling and severe discomfort in men, often linked to Lymphatic Filariasis. He noted that beyond the physical pain, the condition inflicts long-term financial and emotional hardship on affected families.
In his remarks, the Director of The Carter Center’s Programme for Edo and Delta States, Dr. Emmanuel Emukah, commended the state government’s longstanding partnership with the organization in combating neglected tropical diseases. He praised Edo’s progress in halting the transmission of lymphatic filariasis and noted that the ongoing collaboration has made free hydrocele surgeries available at Ubiaja General Hospital, Fugar General Hospital, and Iguobazuwa General Hospital.
Flagging off the exercise at Ubiaja General Hospital, the Executive Secretary of the EDSPHCDA, Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia, represented by Dr. Efeomon Eseigbe, expressed appreciation to Governor Monday Okpebholo for supporting the initiative.
The State Coordinator for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Mrs. Poko Happy, urged residents to take advantage of the ongoing free surgeries available in the three senatorial zones — Iguobazuwa (Edo South), Ubiaja (Edo Central), and Fugar (Edo North).
The surgeries are being carried out by teams of medical experts led by Dr. Otoijamun Fred Iredia, Dr. Daniel Odekina, and Dr. Daniel Moses across the designated hospitals.
Some beneficiaries, including Mr. Gideon Opek, a 68-year-old man from Ibillo in Akoko-Edo, and Mr. Sunday Nweke from Esan South East, who had lived with the condition for over nine years, expressed gratitude to the state government, The Carter Center, and the medical teams for restoring their health at no cost.
So far, 11 successful hydrocele surgeries have been completed at Ubiaja General Hospital, with operations also underway at Iguobazuwa and Fugar General Hospitals.
