Lokoja: The Kogi Ministry of Health’s Neglected Tropical Disease (NTDs) Programme, in collaboration with Sightsavers, has inaugurated the 2025 Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM) for Onchocerciasis (River Blindness) prevention in the state. The initiative aims to distribute medicine across all 3,200 communities in Kogi, targeting 4.5 million residents aged five and above.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adeiza Abdulazeez, opened a two-day MAM meeting in Lokoja, signaling the government’s commitment to combat river blindness. Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Steven Momoh, Abdulazeez highlighted the meeting’s goal of reviewing progress, identifying gaps, and developing strategies for the upcoming Mectizan distribution cycle in March. He praised the progress made through mass drug administration campaigns and the dedication of health workers and stakeholders.
Dr. Abdulazeez acknowledged the support of development partners, including Sight Savers, and emphasized the need for active participation to ensure comprehensive community coverage. He reiterated the government’s commitment, under Gov. Ahmed Ododo, to improving the health and well-being of residents, with the Ministry of Health providing leadership and support for the elimination of neglected tropical diseases.
Mr. Musa Momohjimoh, the state NTD Coordinator, explained that Kogi’s water-rich environment, with the Niger and Benue rivers, contributes to the endemic presence of Onchocerciasis. He noted that treatment efforts have been ongoing since 1997, with over 27 rounds of treatment administered, yet challenges remain as the disease persists in some areas. He encouraged residents to engage in the mass medicine distribution set for March.
Sightsavers Programme Officer, Phoebe Hindan, stressed the importance of strategic implementation to close gaps from previous efforts and work towards eliminating the disease. The 10-day distribution will require community involvement in planning and execution to ensure success.
Betsy Ibenu, NTD Data Manager at Sightsavers, stated that the meeting focuses on reviewing implementation strategies and developing a comprehensive plan for achieving geographical and therapeutic coverage. Discussions will also address strategies for micro-planning and in-depth investigations.
Stakeholders attending the meeting include heads of health departments, NTD team members, the Kogi branch of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), and representatives from NAFDAC, CAN, and JNI.