Fifty residents of Abaji and Kwali Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have benefited from free hydrocele surgeries organised by the FCT Administration.
The intervention, carried out at Kubwa General Hospital on Friday, was supported by Christian Blind Mission (CBM) and Health and Human Development Support (HANDS). The surgeries aimed to relieve affected men of the discomfort caused by an enlarged scrotum and reduce the stigma often associated with the condition.
Dr. Daniel Gadzama, Director of the Disease Control Division at the FCT Public Health Department, said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare services. Represented by Dr. Ngozi Ebesiki, Head of the Department, he noted that ongoing efforts are focused on raising awareness of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and encouraging preventive health measures.
“We are here to inaugurate free surgeries for hydrocele patients. In doing this, we have collaborators, donors, and development partners like HANDS and CBM supporting us to address NTDs and alleviate the plight of vulnerable persons,” Gadzama stated.
He added that IHS Towers, a telecommunications company, supported the first round of mass drug administration in 2024 and returned in 2025 to back the second phase. After training, healthcare workers were deployed to communities, where 197 patients were screened and treated, with 65 confirmed cases of hydrocele. Out of these, IHS Towers agreed to fund 50 surgeries.
Mrs. Lami Ndayako, the FCT State Coordinator for NTDs, said the programme was designed to bring relief and restore dignity to people living with hydrocele. She commended donors and the management of Kubwa General Hospital for their role in making the intervention possible.
Achai Ijah, the FCT Representative of HANDS, said 50 patients were covered in the first phase, with another 80 expected in the second phase. He assured that HANDS would continue collaborating with the NTD unit of the FCT Public Health Department to tackle NTDs across the territory.
He also highlighted that CBM and HANDS contributed through funding, advocacy, community mobilisation, and sensitisation to improve the quality of life for beneficiaries.
Similarly, Mr. Samuel Omoi, Country Director of CBM—represented by Programme Manager, Maryanne Mannok—explained that hydrocele is caused by mosquito bites and manifests as scrotal swelling, which can be corrected through surgery. He urged the public to support, rather than stigmatise, affected individuals.
Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the organisers and sponsors for easing their long-term pain and helping them regain dignity within their communities.
