Professor Adewole: Nigeria’s minister of health

Alexander Odaibo, a Professor of Parasitology in the Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, has urged government at all levels to focus on solving the basic health problems of the poor people.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Odaibo made the call in an Inaugural lecture he delivered on Thursday at the University titled: ‘Parasite of Poverty and Poverty of Parasitism.

According to Odaibo, getting healthcare treatments to the poor and remote populations should be embraced and supported by all African leaders.

He said that there was a significant interplay between Parasitism and Poverty.

“Parasites of Poverty would flourish where deprivation prevails where there is inadequate acesss to housing, water, health information and education.

” The people suffering from parasitic disease are more likely to become impoverished,” he said.

The don said that the control of parasitic disease will lead to the improvement of human health and the productive capacity of the people in endemic communities.

He further suggested the need for Government to ensure that effort is made to create and disseminate information on preventive and health promoting behaviour.

“A healthier population is better able to engage in economic activities and thereby generate increase income, some of which can be spent on health,” he said.