By Khadija Kubau
The Kaduna State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Sightsavers, has flagged off the Mass Administration of Medicines campaign for the prevention of River Blindness in the state.
The flag-off ceremony took place at the Primary Health Care (PHC) Centre in Kinkinau, Kaduna South Local Government Area, with the participation of health officials, community leaders, and development partners working to tackle neglected tropical diseases.
The Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Umma K Ahmed who officially declared the Mass Administration of Medicines campaign open, the campaign would be carried out in six Local Government Areas out of the 23 LGAs in the state.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Idris, explained that Kaduna South was selected for the flag-off following research which indicated that the area has a higher number of people affected by the disease.
She added that the medicines will be administered to residents aged five years and above as part of efforts to prevent the spread and impact of river blindness in affected communities.
Also speaking, Madam Gong, who represented the Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria, Professor Joy Shuaibu, appealed to community members to take the medicines according to the instructions provided by health workers.
She stressed that community participation is essential to achieving the goal of eliminating river blindness.
Earlier, the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Coordinator, Zainab Haruna, outlined the objectives of the programme, noting that the campaign aims to reduce the prevalence of river blindness through the free distribution of preventive medicines.
She urged residents to cooperate with health workers and participate fully in the exercise.
In his remarks, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Idris, emphasized the Kaduna State Government’s commitment to combating neglected tropical diseases through sustained public health interventions and collaboration with development partners.
In his welcome address, the representative of the Kaduna South Local Government Chairman, Dr. Maidubu, appreciated the Kaduna State Ministry of Health and Sightsavers for supporting the initiative.
He assured that the medicines would be effectively distributed to ensure that eligible residents benefit from the programme.
The District Head of Tudun Wada, Alhaji Tahir Mahmud, who served as the Father of the Day, pledged the full support of the traditional institution toward the success of the campaign.
He added that the community would mobilize residents and encourage them to participate actively in the programme.
A highlight of the ceremony was a drama presentation that sensitized the audience on the causes, prevention, and dangers of river blindness, while emphasizing the importance of participating in the campaign.
