Kaduna: The Kaduna State Ministry of Health has announced intensified efforts to eliminate lymphatic filariasis and other neglected tropical diseases through improved morbidity management and expanded community-based healthcare interventions statewide.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Director of Public Health, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq-Idris, revealed this during a state review meeting on morbidity management and disability prevention supported by Sightsavers in Kaduna. The meeting assessed the programme’s performance, reviewing progress against annual targets and deliverables to identify gaps and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
The review also focused on data quality and reporting systems, analyzing the completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of reports from health facilities and local governments. Discussions centered on implementation challenges, field-level barriers, resource constraints, and successful strategies that improved service delivery outcomes.
Dr. Sadiq-Idris highlighted the lack of attention given to neglected tropical diseases, which affect large populations and often result in disabilities. He cited elephantiasis and hydrocele as examples that significantly limit mobility and productivity, noting that the ministry has implemented targeted strategies to reduce such morbidities.
He mentioned that the state has provided over 200 free hydrocele surgeries in collaboration with Sightsavers, improving the health and wellbeing of affected residents. Supportive management for lymphedema and sensitization campaigns in rural communities are also part of the intensified efforts.
The ministry has deployed integrated mobile outreach and clinics to remote communities, delivering various health services, including those for neglected tropical diseases. Community volunteers and engagement with traditional and religious leaders have helped identify cases and link individuals to appropriate care.
State Entity Coordinator, Zainab Haruna, identified poor documentation as a major challenge, emphasizing the need for accurate reporting of hydrocele and lymphedema cases. She commended Sightsavers for training surgeons and expressed hope for increased government funding to expand service coverage.
Tabitha Kane of the Kaduna State Entity Unit of the Neglected Tropical Disease Programme at Sightsavers highlighted the need for stronger government commitment to documentation to improve chances of disease elimination certification. She stressed the importance of proper documentation for verification processes.
Kane reported that nine surgeons and a lead surgeon were trained on updated hydrocele surgery techniques, which have reduced complications and improved patient recovery. However, funding constraints remain a concern, and she urged the government to expand surgeon training to ensure sustainability.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that participants developed actionable recommendations and outlined next steps to strengthen morbidity management and disability prevention services across the state.