Sightsavers, an international non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) has released its report on Kaduna, showing the State as an endemic for all the five diseases, although trachoma has been eliminated.
The revelation is contained in the report of its Panel Session at the 2024 Africa Conference on Development Journalism held on 4th December at Asaa Pyramid Hotel, Kaduna, Nigeria.
It says at the point of mapping, onchocerciasis (river blindness) was found to be prevalent in 16 LGAs in Kaduna and that by living in those LGAs, one is at risk of actually river blindness. “Eighteen (18) LGAs in Kaduna are at risk of elephantiasis
“Trachoma is a bacterial infection, and is transmitted through house flies, and it is transmissible from one person to the other. It is the leading cause of infectious blindness and women are more susceptible to trichiasis because they are mostly caregivers who easily contract it from children they care for.
“All LGAs in Kaduna are susceptible to Schistosomiasis, however, it is endemic in 15 LGAs in the state because it can be transmitted through contact with sand, ponds, and while swimming.
“Most times, those within the rural areas are more aware of these treatments more than people who reside in urban communities, despite its house-to-house strategy. This is because the awareness is low.
Successes
“Treatments for trachoma have reduced from 128 LGAs across Nigeria to only 20 LGAs. And that of trichiasis from 242 LGAs to less than 20 LGAs. So far, over 150,000 trichiasis cases have been managed through corrective lid-surgery. These facts buttress Nigeria’s readiness to eliminate trachoma by 2029.
What to do:
“All hands must be on deck to ensure everyone is able to access available free care and treatment. States’ governments through the ministries of health to include indigent populations on the contributory health scheme and make access to trichiasis services free of charge.
“Water sanitation and hygiene promotion is an integral part of NTD elimination that should be prioritised by the government to sustain the gains we have made. Government should provide the need support to the WASH actors and relevant agencies so as to reach unreached areas.
Improve partnership for widespread sensitization in rural and urban communities
“Increase media advocacy and campaigns through programming and storytelling.
Development Journalists have a role towards spotlighting the achievements and gaps in reaching the elimination goal of 2030 , and ensuring all persons including government, philanthropists, corporate organizations, non-profits, religious and community leaders, and community members are all aware and join their voice to end NTDs in Nigeria, End
Globally, and working on 2024 data, the Report says about 103 million people are at risk of trachoma, with over a million Nigerians at risk of the disease. “One tablet of 500mg of Azithromycin currently costs about 4,000 naira. and Sightsavers provides it free through donations from Pfizer. ” So far, about 64 million tablets have been donated to the country since 2010. “Millions of Nigerians have also benefited from the free azithromycin treatment administered yearly, with over 34.7 million treatments delivered between 2010 and 2020. The number of treatments has dropped in the past four years, indicating progress in elimination of the disease.
“According to WHO about $5.3 billion is lost globally every year due to visual disability and up to $8billion when impairment from trachoma is included. However, the disease is preventable through treatment.
“Awareness gap leading to lack of acceptance of medical intervention among some individuals, groups, or communities, the Report reveals
