Kogi State has recorded a major milestone in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) with the successful completion of Transmission Assessment Survey 1 (TAS 1) for Lymphatic Filariasis.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adeiza Abdulazeez, disclosed this in an interview with reporters on Friday in Lokoja, as part of activities to commemorate World NTD Day.
According to him, the achievement—made possible through collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and Sightsavers—has led to the cessation of mass drug administration for Lymphatic Filariasis in the state.
Abdulazeez described the development as a testament to sustained efforts and strong partnerships with donor agencies and other stakeholders.
“This is a major public health milestone, and we are proud of the progress made,” he said.
He noted that Kogi State has been combating NTDs such as Onchocerciasis, Lymphatic Filariasis, Schistosomiasis, and Soil-Transmitted Helminths through mapping surveys and treatment programmes across the state’s 21 Local Government Areas.
According to him, treatment for Onchocerciasis began in 1997, with Mectizan administered in all 21 LGAs, while treatment for Lymphatic Filariasis using Mectizan and Albendazole covered 11 LGAs.
Despite the progress, Abdulazeez said the state still faces challenges, including delays in the release of government counterpart funding.
“Other challenges include the lack of dedicated project vehicles and Community Drug Distributors leaving after training due to poor remuneration,” he said.
He added that the ministry is seeking the support of Governor Ahmed Ododo to address these challenges, including the provision of a Hilux utility vehicle to improve programme logistics.
The commissioner commended the governor for his efforts to strengthen the state’s health sector and expressed appreciation to Sightsavers, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other donor agencies for their support.
“Together, we can unite, act, and eliminate NTDs for a healthier and more productive Kogi State,” he said.
Also speaking, Ms Anita Gwom, Director, Reaching the Last Mile (RLM), Sightsavers, reaffirmed the organizations commitment to eliminating NTDs in Nigeria.
She said Sightsavers had been involved in the fight against NTDs in Nigeria for more than three decades and was intensifying advocacy for collective action.
“For us at Sightsavers, World NTD Day is an opportunity to call on everyone to join forces and eliminate NTDs in Nigeria by 2030, in line with WHO targets,” Gwom said.
The State NTD Coordinator, Mr Musa Momohjimoh, emphasized the importance of sensitization and prevention, noting that the ministry had continued to educate residents on NTDs.
He urged the public to take advantage of free government-supported services, including more than 200 free surgeries conducted with support from Sightsavers.
According to him, the ultimate goal is Universal Health Coverage, where everyone has access to quality healthcare regardless of income.
World NTD Day is marked annually on Jan. 30. The 2026 theme, “Unite, Act, Eliminate NTDs,” highlights the importance of collaboration in achieving Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
To mark the day, the Kogi Ministry of Health’s NTD Control, Elimination and Eradication Programme, in collaboration with Sightsavers and the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), organized activities including courtesy visits to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, an academic panel discussion, a radio talk show, and a commemorative road walk.
