Kogi, others tackle river blindness
The Kogi State Ministry of Health’s Neglected Tropical Disease (NTDs) Programme, in collaboration with Sightsavers, has launched a two-day planning meeting for the Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM) for Onchocerciasis
The Kogi State Ministry of Health’s Neglected Tropical Disease (NTDs) Programme, in collaboration with Sightsavers, has launched a two-day planning meeting for the Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM) for Onchocerciasis (River Blindness) in the state’s 21 local government areas.
Stakeholders at the meeting included health departmental heads and NTD team members, Kogi State branch of Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), NAFDAC, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and JNI.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Adeiza Abdulazeez, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to eliminating river blindness in the state.
Represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Steven Momoh, the commissioner said the meeting aimed to review progress, identify gaps, and develop strategies for the upcoming Mectizan distribution cycle.
He noted that the state had made progress in controlling the disease through Mass Drug Administration campaigns and dedication of health workers and stakeholders.
The commissioner acknowledged the support of development partners, including Sight Savers, and urged participants to engage in discussions to ensure no community is left behind.
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“Kogi State government, led by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, is committed to improving citizens’ health and well-being.
“The Ministry of Health will provide leadership, coordination, and support for neglected tropical diseases elimination programmes,” Abdulazeez said.
The commissioner urged participants to engage actively, share experiences, and contribute to discussions, working together to ensure no community is left behind in eliminating river blindness.
The state NTD Coordinator, Mr Musa Momohjimoh, explained that Kogi is endemic for Onchocerciasis due to its water-rich environment, with Rivers Niger and Benue flowing through several local governments.
“The treatment of river blindness has been ongoing in Kogi State since 1997, with over 27 rounds of treatment administered.
“While we’ve achieved great success, there are still challenges, and the disease remains endemic in some areas,” Momohjimoh said.
He urged citizens to participate in the mass medicine distribution next month, which would cover the 3,200 communities in the state, targeting 4.5 million people aged five and above.
Sightsavers Programme Officer, Phoebe Hindan, emphasised the importance of strategic implementation to ensure no one misses out on the intervention.
“The exercise aims to close gaps observed in previous implementations and ensure the elimination of the disease, not just continued treatment.
“The distribution will last for 10 days, and we urge participants to ensure their communities are involved in the planning and implementation process,” she said.
Earlier, the NTD Data Manager, Sightsavers, Betsy Ibenu, said the meeting aimed to review implementation strategies, develop a work plan for achieving geographical and therapeutic coverage.
She emphasised that the meeting would discuss strategies for micro-planning and deepen investigations.
Participants pledged their commitment to achieving the aims of the Mass Administration of Medicines for river blindness.
