The Kaduna State Ministry of Health has raised concern over the high prevalence of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the state, revealing that over 5 million residents are at risk of River Blindness, Lymphatic Filariasis, Bilharzia, and Intestinal Worms.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kaduna on Thursday to mark World NTD Day 2025, the Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Umma Ahmed, emphasized the urgent need for increased interventions and stakeholder collaboration to curb the spread of these diseases.
She noted that Nigeria ranks second globally in NTD burden, with over 120 million people at risk nationwide.
“In Kaduna, we have adopted multiple strategies, including mass drug administration, morbidity management, vector control, improved sanitation, and hygiene practices,” she stated.
Hajiya Ahmed highlighted that the state’s annual deworming campaign for schoolchildren, alongside the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) for Lymphatic Filariasis and Schistosomiasis across 23 endemic LGAs, has yielded significant results.
She disclosed that in 2023 alone, over 6.9 million treatments were provided, 216 hydrocele patients received surgical treatment, and 434 health workers were trained to enhance healthcare delivery.
Kaduna has also made strides in disease elimination efforts, successfully interrupting the transmission of Onchocerciasis (River Blindness) in 16 LGAs and eliminating Trachoma in Igabi LGA.
With support from development partners such as WHO and Sightsavers, the state has transitioned from paper-based to electronic reporting using NTD DHIS 2.0, improving data accuracy and decision-making.
As part of its long-term strategy, the government is currently reviewing its NTD Master Plan to scale up interventions and achieve the global 2030 target for NTD elimination.
Ahmed called on all stakeholders to unite in the fight against NTDs, emphasizing that sustained efforts are crucial to protecting vulnerable communities.