By Stephen Adeleye.
Kogi State Government and Sightsavers, have called for collective action to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The state marked World NTD Day, highlighting the importance of uniting efforts to combat diseases that affect over one billion people worldwide.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, made the call at a press briefing to commemorate World NTD Day on Friday in Lokoja.
The Commissioner emphasized that NTDs pose a significant barrier to poverty reduction, economic growth, and social development.
He noted that Kogi State has made progress in combating NTDs, including the successful completion of the Transmission Assessment Survey 1 (TAS 1) for Lymphatic Filariasis, leading to the cessation of mass drug administration.
According to him, the achievement, made possible through collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and Sightsavers, has led to the cessation of mass drug administration for Lymphatic Filariasis in the state.
Abdulazeez said the achievement was a testament to sustained effort and partnership with donor partners and other relevant stakeholders.
“This is a major public health milestone, and we are proud of the progress made,” he said.
He noted that Kogi has been combating NTDs, including Onchocerciasis, Lymphatic Filariasis, Schistosomiasis, and Soil-Transmitted Helminths, through mapping surveys and treatment programs across the 21 Local Government Areas.
He added that the treatment commenced in 1997 for Onchocerciasis, with Mectizan administered in all 21 LGAs, and in 11 LGAs for Lymphatic Filariasis using Mectizan and Albendazole.
He, however noted that in spite the achievement, the state faces challenges, including non-release of government counterpart funding, lack of dedicated project vehicles, and Community Drug Distributors absconding after training due to poor remuneration.
“The Ministry is seeking support from the Executive Governor, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, to address these challenges and facilitate the donation of a Hilux utility vehicle to enhance program logistics,” he said.
The commissioner on behalf of his Ministry appreciated the Governor for his remarkable strides in strengthening the state’s health sector.
He expressed gratitude to Sightsavers, the World Health Organization, and other donor agencies for their support, saying, “Together, we can Unite, Act, and Eliminate NTDs for a healthier and more productive Kogi State.”
Anita Gwom, the Director Reaching the Last Mile (RLM), Sightsavers, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to eliminating NTDs in Nigeria.
She said Sightsavers as a leading organisation in the fight against NTDs, is intensifying campaign on the need for collective action against the diseases.
“Sightsavers has been involved in the fight against NTDs in Nigeria for over three decades.
“For us at Sightsavers, World NTD Day is a chance for us to call on everyone to join forces and eliminate NTDs in Nigeria by 2030, as set out by WHO,” Gwom said.
Mr Musa Momohjimoh, State NTD Coordinator, emphasized the importance of sensitization and prevention, saying, “The ministry has been sensitizing people about NTDs.
He emphasized that knowledge and ideas are key to healthy living. ‘Prevention is key.
Momohjimoh urged the people to use free services from the government and partners, like Sightsavers, which has done over 200 free surgeries.”
He stressed the goal is Universal Health Coverage, where everyone accesses quality healthcare, regardless of income.
‘Let’s work together to eliminate NTDs and create a healthier Kogi State,” he said.
The World NTD Day is marked every January 30, and the global theme is: “Unite, Act, Eliminate NTDs,” highlighting the importance of collaboration in achieving Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Kogi State Ministry of Health, NTDs Control, Elimination and Eradication Programme, in collaboration with Sightsavers and Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), celebrated World NTDs Day with various activities.
These included a courtesy visit to National Health Insurance Agency (NHIA), Kogi Ministry of Local Government & Chieftancy Affairs, an academic panel discussion, media outreach through a radio talk show, a commemorative road walk, and press briefing.
The awareness activities also cut across major campuses in Kogi State, such as Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State Polytechnic, Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) Anyigba, and Kogi State University Kabba.
