Writing By Teddy Daniel; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
Stakeholders in the Kaduna State Health sector have converged to review successes and challenges in the implementation of Neglected Tropical disease NTD across some local government areas of the state
A Programme Officer with Sightsavers, Tabitha Kane who gave the remark, at a meeting to access implementation of the interventions on onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis stressed for sustained implementation of the program
“We are gathered with stakeholders to review what we planned, what we achieved and the challenges encountered, and to develop actionable plans to improve the programme,” she said.
Tabitha Kane noted that treatments for river blindness were successfully conducted in six local government areas of the state ,while targeted trainings for health workers and community distributors were also achieved.
However, she said treatment for lymphatic filariasis could not be carried out in some areas due to lack of medicines and ongoing assessments.
Tabitha Kane also identified insufficient drugs in some communities due to higher population figures than earlier estimates, warning that it could affect treatment coverage.
She said despite the challenges, innovative approaches were adopted, including night distribution of medicines during Ramadan with the support of community and religious leaders.
“one of our major challenges was delay in the supply of donated medicines, which affected our implementation timelines,”
“We saw a good turnout after iftar, and this helped us complete the exercise without extending the treatment days,” she explained.
She stressed the need for sustained government support to consolidate gains already made by partners adding that the goal is to eliminate these diseases completely.
Also speaking, the Kaduna State NTD Coordinator, Zainab Haruna said the state has recorded significant progress in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases in the state.
She noted that the number of local government areas endemic for the diseases has reduced significantly, expressing optimism that elimination targets would be achieved before the 2030 deadline.
Radio Nigeria reports that present at the meeting were representatives working around neglected tropical disease from the federal and state ministry of health, including partners from sigtsavers, local government coordinators among others.
