A global nonprofit organization, Sightsavers, committed to social inclusion and disability rights, has held a two-day media partners’ meeting in Kano State, Northwest Nigeria.
The meeting brought together journalists from across the Northwest to strengthen media collaboration on raising awareness about neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.
Sightsavers Country Director, Prof. Joy Shuaibu, represented by Advocacy Coordinator Esther Bature, said the initiative would help ensure respect for the rights of persons with disabilities and foster a more inclusive society.
“We work to support the government to fill any gaps we notice in the health sector. As media practitioners, we want you to support us by raising awareness,” Bature said.
Founded in 1950, Sightsavers operates in more than 30 countries across Africa and Asia, promoting health, education, and disability inclusion. The organization supports equitable access to healthcare, clean water, and education—especially for women, children, and people with disabilities—while advocating for inclusive policies and equal employment opportunities.
Mr. Terhemen Sunday, Technical Manager for NTDs, said Sightsavers is tackling the five most prevalent neglected tropical diseases in Nigeria: lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), river blindness (onchocerciasis), intestinal worms (STH), schistosomiasis (bilharzia), and trachoma.
He emphasized that some countries have already made progress in eliminating these diseases and that Sightsavers is working closely with the Nigerian government to strengthen frameworks that ensure no one is left behind in accessing health and education services.
The meeting also discussed ethical standards in reporting, particularly when covering stories involving minors and persons with disabilities, highlighting the importance of language sensitivity and responsible storytelling.
