GOITRE EPIDEMIC SWEEPS THROUGH LAGOS

Goitre, a condition that causes the neck to swell in front of the neck as a result of iodine deficiency is currently ravaging Badagry, a suburb of Lagos State. Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola made the revelation while commissioning projects in Badagry.

He said at least 30 cases are handled every day by government officials on a health mission in Badagry, Lagos, adding that the trend is disturbing.

“Since four days ago that this health mission programme started here in Badagry, our health officials have told us they handled no fewer than 30 cases daily.

“This is disturbing and we will have to conduct an investigation into where these sufferers live and the water they drink to enable us really understand the problem, “he said.

Fashola however said the health mission had the capacity to attend to all cases. He called on those afflicted to take advantage of the health mission in the area to treat themselves.
He said the mission is designed to take free healthcare to the grassroots, adding that it offers services such as health screenings and minor surgeries among others.

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Fashola stated that no fewer than 10,000 residents of Badagry had benefited from the mission since it started on Monday.

He said various medical services were offered while over 1000 glasses were given free to those who needed corrective lens. “You should note that these noble programme could only be sustained if we all pay our taxes because that is what we use to provide all these “he said.

Earlier, Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris said government would continue to provide health facilities across the state to widen access to healthcare.