Writing By Teddy Daniel; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
Kaduna State has successfully eliminated trachoma a leading cause of preventable blindness as a public health problem, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s fight against neglected tropical diseases.
Speaking at the official closeout ceremony in Kaduna, the Country Coordinator for Trachoma with Sightsavers, Dr. Teyil Wamyil Mshelia, described the achievement as a collective victory made possible through years of collaboration among government agencies, partners, and local communities.
Dr. Mshelia noted that Kaduna is among the first places globally where Sightsavers began operations over seven decades ago, leading efforts to eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
“With the elimination of trachoma in Kaduna State, we celebrate one of our greatest public health victories. Significant progress is also being made toward eliminating onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis,” she said.
The Country Director explained that between 2017 and 2023, over 500,000 residents received preventive treatment, while about 700 people underwent corrective eye surgeries.
She attributed the success to strong community engagement, increased public awareness, and the training of health workers and traditional leaders.
“We trained surgeons, ophthalmic nurses, and community volunteers who identified cases house to house and linked patients to treatment centers,” she added.
Dr Mshelia emphasized that Kaduna now has a sustainability plan, including designated static centers to continue providing trachoma related services.
She called on the state government to sustain the momentum by ensuring a steady supply of consumables, supporting health workers, and subsidizing treatment particularly for rural and underserved communities.
“Our appeal is for government to continue offering these services, preferably free or at minimal cost, because trachoma mostly affects the poor,” she concluded.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Kaduna State Ministry of Health, Dr. Aishatu Abubakar Sadiq, described the elimination as a landmark public health milestone and proof of government’s commitment to disease control and prevention.
Dr. Sadiq recalled that trachoma interventions began in 2013 with a baseline survey across all 23 Local Government Areas.
The findings showed Igabi LGA as endemic for Trachoma Follicular, while eleven others including Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Ikara, Kudan, Kubau, Kauru, Kagarko, Lere, Makarfi, and Soba were endemic for Trachoma Trichiasis.
“Kaduna adopted the SAFE Strategy Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial Cleanliness, and Environmental Improvement with support from the Federal Ministry of Health and Sightsavers International, reaching 558,761 residents in Igabi LGA through drug administration and performing 683 corrective surgeries across 11 endemic LGAs”,she said
Other achievements include training 10 ophthalmic nurses as TT surgeons in partnership with the National Eye Centre, constructing 122 boreholes in affected LGAs to enhance water access, and deploying 10,000 community case finders to identify and refer patients for care.
“These milestones reflect the shared commitment of government, partners, and communities to making trachoma history in Kaduna State,” she said.
Dr. Sadiq commended Governor Uba Sani for his leadership and sustained investment in health, especially through the State Emergency Medical Service.
She also appreciated the Federal Ministry of Health, Sightsavers International, and all development partners for their technical and financial support.
As the intervention concludes, she urged continued vigilance through surveillance, hygiene promotion, and community sensitization to preserve the gains and inspire progress toward eliminating other NTDs.
The elimination of trachoma in Kaduna State aligns with the World Health Organization’s standards for declaring a region free of the disease as a public health concern.
