Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen
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 — a major health intervention aimed at restoring the dignity and wellbeing of affected men.
The life-changing initiative, which officially began on November 5, 2025, at Ubiaja General Hospital, Esan South East Local Government Area, forms part of the State Government’s ongoing partnership with The Carter Center to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis and its debilitating effects among residents.
During a press briefing at the Ministry of Health in Benin City, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, explained that hydrocele — a severe condition often associated with Lymphatic Filariasis — causes extreme swelling and discomfort in men. Beyond the physical pain, he said, it brings years of emotional and financial hardship to families.
“Behind every swollen limb or scrotum is a story of years of suffering, shame, and lost opportunities. This program is giving these men a chance to live with dignity again,” Dr. Oshiomhole stated.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of EDSPHCDA, Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia, expressed deep gratitude to Governor Monday Okpebholo for prioritizing the healthcare needs of Edo residents.
“Thanks to the support of the State Government and the Carter Center, hydrocele surgeries are being offered free of charge by trained medical professionals in Edo State. The Primary Healthcare system has become a bridge through which life-changing care is reaching our people,” Dr. Osoikhia said.
Similarly, Dr. Emmanuel Emukah, Director of The Carter Center’s program for Edo and Delta States, praised the long-standing collaboration with Edo State in combating neglected tropical diseases. He commended the state’s success in halting the transmission of Lymphatic Filariasis and highlighted that the ongoing free hydrocele surgeries are taking place at Ubiaja General Hospital, Fugar General Hospital, and Iguobazuwa General Hospital.
At the flag-off ceremony on November 3, 2025, at Ubiaja General Hospital, the Director for Disease Control and Immunization, Dr. Efeomon Eseigbe, representing the Executive Secretary of EDSPHCDA, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders who made the surgeries possible — including the Commissioner for Health, the Carter Center, and the volunteer medical teams.
“This initiative is proof that when government and partners work together, real transformation happens in people’s lives,” Dr. Eseigbe said.
The State Coordinator for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Mrs. Poko Happy, encouraged residents to take advantage of the free surgeries being conducted across the three senatorial zones — Iguobazuwa (Edo South), Ubiaja (Edo Central), and Fugar (Edo North).
Leading the surgical teams across the hospitals are Dr. Otoijamun Fred Iredia, Dr. Daniel Odekina, and Dr. Daniel Moses, who, along with their medical teams, have so far successfully completed eleven hydrocele surgeries at the Ubiaja General Hospital.
Some beneficiaries who spoke after their procedures expressed deep gratitude to the government and its partners.
Mr. Gideon Opek, a 68-year-old from Ibillo, Akoko Edo, said:
“They have done my surgery successfully. I want to thank the Governor, the Carter Center, and the health workers. Thank you so much.”
Another beneficiary, Mr. Sunday Nweke from Esan South East, who had suffered from hydrocele for nine years, offered prayers for the Governor and medical team.
“I have been ill for nine years without a helper. God will bless the Governor, the doctors, and everyone who helped us. They have restored my hope.”
According to the EDSPHCDA, surgeries will commence at Iguobazuwa General Hospital (Edo South) and Fugar General Hospital (Edo North) on Monday, November 10, 2025.
This program marks yet another milestone in Edo State’s health sector reforms — a strong example of how partnerships between government and international health organizations can bring relief, restore dignity, and save lives.
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