The Kogi State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the charity organization Sightsavers, has trained over 1,400 frontline workers on schistosomiasis prevention as part of efforts to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the state.
Mr. Musa Momohjimoh, Kogi State Acting NTD Coordinator, told journalists on Friday in Lokoja that the week-long training was conducted at the community level across local government areas to ensure wide participation.
He said the participants included 72 health workers, 1,200 teachers, and 200 Community Drug Distributors (CDDs) from Ibaji, Lokoja, and Kogi Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The training was designed to support the upcoming Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM) campaign for schistosomiasis in 24 wards within the three LGAs, targeting 152,724 children aged five to 14 years.
Momohjimoh explained that participants received comprehensive knowledge on schistosomiasis, including its causes, signs and symptoms, and preventive measures.
“Special emphasis was placed on the correct administration of praziquantel, the medicine used for schistosomiasis control, including guidance on dosage and management of possible side effects,” he said.
He added that participants were trained on the use of standardized reporting tools to ensure accurate documentation of treatments during the campaign. “This approach will improve accountability and enhance monitoring of drug distribution at the community level,” he said.
Momohjimoh also noted that the Kogi Ministry of Health and Sightsavers held a planning meeting on November 4 and 5 to strategies for the MAM exercise, reviewing logistics, mapping distribution routes, and strengthening accountability mechanisms.
Mrs. Phoebe Hindan, Programme Officer for Sightsavers, emphasized the importance of the training in achieving wider coverage and a successful MAM campaign.
“These trainings are a vital part of capacity-building efforts to improve healthcare delivery in the state. Through this initiative, Kogi is reinforcing its commitment to reducing the burden of NTDs and improving public health outcomes,” she said.
The MAM exercise is scheduled to run from November 17 to November 28, aiming to protect thousands of children from the debilitating effects of schistosomiasis.
