From AMEDU JOSEPH, Lokoja
The Kogi State Ministry of Health’s Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Programme, in collaboration with Sightsavers, has launched a two-day planning meeting for the 2025 Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM) for Onchocerciasis (River Blindness) across the state’s 21 local government areas.
Declaring the meeting open in Lokoja, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adeiza Abdulazeez, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to eliminating River Blindness.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Steven Momoh, the commissioner said the meeting was aimed at reviewing progress, identify gaps and develop strategies for the upcoming Mectizan distribution cycle.
He noted that the state has made significant progress in controlling the disease through Mass Drug Administration campaigns and the dedication of health workers and stakeholders.
The commissioner acknowledged the support of development partners, including Sightsavers, and urged participants to actively engage in discussions to ensure no community is left behind.
“Kogi State Government, led by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, is committed to improving citizens’ health and well-being.
“The Ministry of Health will continue to provide leadership, coordination and support for Neglected Tropical Diseases elimination programmes,” he said.
The State NTD Coordinator, Mr. Musa Momohjimoh, explained that Kogi was endemic for Onchocerciasis due to its water-rich environment, with Rivers Niger and Benue flowing through several local government areas.
“The treatment of River Blindness has been ongoing in Kogi State since 1997, with over 27 rounds of treatment administered.“While we have achieved great success, there are still challenges, and the disease remains endemic in some areas,” he said.
He urged citizens to participate in the mass medicine distribution scheduled for March 2026, which would cover all 3,200 communities in the state and target about 4.5 million people aged five years and above.
Sightsavers Programme Officer, Phoebe Hindan, emphasised the importance of strategic implementation to ensure that no one misses 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 stakeholders to ensure their communities are fully involved in the planning and implementation process,” she said.
Earlier, Betsy Ibenu, NTD Data Manager, Sightsavers, said the meeting would review implementation strategies and develop a work plan to achieve both geographical and therapeutic coverage.
She added that discussions would also focus on micro-planning strategies and in-depth investigations to strengthen delivery.
Stakeholders at the meeting included Heads of Health Departments, NTD team members, the Kogi State branch of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), NAFDAC, CAN, JNI and other partners.
Participants pledged their commitment to achieving the objectives of the Mass Administration of Medicines for River Blindness as the meeting commenced with expectations of fruitful deliberations and successful outcomes.