By Atoyebi Nike
Kaduna State Government on Monday marked a significant public health achievement with the official closure of the Trachoma Trichiasis Intervention Programme, confirming the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in the state.
Speaking at the close-out ceremony in Kaduna, Country Coordinator for Trachoma with Sightsavers, Dr. Teyil Wamyil Mshelia, described the milestone as a “collective victory” made possible through years of collaboration between government agencies, partners, and communities.
Mshelia noted that Kaduna holds a special place in Sightsavers’ history as one of the first operational areas over 70 years ago. Between 2017 and 2023, more than 500,000 residents received preventive treatment, while about 700 people underwent corrective eye surgeries. She attributed the success to community engagement, health worker training, and sustained awareness campaigns.
Representing the state government, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Aishatu Abubakar Sadiq, described the achievement as “a testament to years of political will, hard work, and commitment to health equity.” She emphasised that the elimination marks a turning point in Kaduna’s public health journey.
Trachoma, a bacterial eye infection, is one of the world’s leading causes of blindness and thrives in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. Kaduna’s fight began in 2013 with a baseline survey across all 23 LGAs. Findings showed Igabi LGA was endemic for Trachoma Follicular, while 11 LGAs including Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Ikara, Kudan, and Lere were endemic for Trachoma Trichiasis.
In response, the state adopted the SAFE Strategy Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement aligned with national guidelines. With support from the Federal Ministry of Health and Sightsavers International, Kaduna carried out mass drug administration using Azithromycin tablets and Tetracycline eye ointment, reaching 558,761 people, while 683 individuals received sight-restoring surgeries.
Sadiq commended Governor Uba Sani for prioritising health and human development through policies that strengthen health systems and emergency responses. She also thanked Sightsavers and development partners for their technical and financial support, which made the elimination possible.
Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria, Dr. Joy Shuaibu, earlier in February announced that the organisation’s inclusive eye health programme would cover Plateau, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna States to expand access to quality eye care services.
