Varsity Don calls for functional centre for diseases control in Nigeria

A university lecturer, Prof. Onyebiguwa Nmorsi, says if the country must control diseases, a functional centre for diseases control has to be set up.

He said that lack of a disease control centre was responsible for disease specimens from Nigeria being sent to developed countries for extensive and detailed research work.

Nmorsi made the call at the 46th Inaugural Lecture of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo on Thursday.

Speaking on the topic “Impact of some Parasitic Infections on Longevity of Man”, Nmorsi blamed parasitic infections for being responsible for significant reduction in longevity of man.

He said that to reduce the impact of these factors to longevity, government must among other things provide potable water as basic amenity.

“There should be an improvement in personal and environmental hygiene through appropriate health education.

“The study of parasitology and parasitic diseases and tropical medicine should and must be encouraged in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

“And more importantly, setting up of a functional centre for disease control in the country,’’ he said.

The parasitologist said the provision of pipe borne water was important because it would help check some water-borne parasitic diseases like amoebic dysentery and schistosomiasis.

He said that the refuse/waste dumps in markets and homes should be removed promptly and burnt by the appropriate government agencies.

“The present state of allowing these refuse dumps to accumulate before they are removed is unacceptable as it constitutes health hazards.’’

Nmorsi therefore urged governments at all levels to put in place functional waste management boards.