Impact of onchocerciasis on the economy of rural communities in nigeria: A case study of federal capital territory (FCT)

摘要

Onchocerciasis is a chronic parasitic disease caused by the filarial worm Onchocerca volvulus. The disease causes skin diseases, visual impairment and blindness especially among the poor-rural populace. This study assessed the impact of onchocerciasison income/wage and labour supply in the six area council of Abuja, FCT Nigeria, using econometric technique. A cross-sectional analytica design using a ultis age ratified random sampling technique was employed. A pre-tested structured questionnaire wasused for data collection focusing on relevant socio-demographic and economic variables such marital status, age, occupation, wages/income and labour supply. A total of 502 households responded to the questionnaire, representing 93% of planned respondents. The study showed that Onchocerciasis had decreasing impact on the daily wage/income by 23% and labour supply by 66% and thereby leading to a decrease in labour productivity. The use of mectizan drugs was found to be effective in reducing negative effects on labour supply as a result of the disease. Efforts should be made to sustain the use of mectizan drugs to combat the menace of onchocerciasis in the endemic areas.