In a remarkable achievement, the Kaduna State Government has announced that it has successfully eradicated trachoma as a public health issue within its borders. This significant declaration was made by the Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Umma Kaltum-Ahmed, during a stakeholders’ engagement and recognition ceremony held on Saturday, which coincided with the observance of World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day 2026 in Kaduna.
The theme of the event, ‘Unite, Act, Eliminate NTDs Towards the Achievement of Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals’, highlighted the urgent need for joint efforts to combat diseases that disproportionately affect impoverished and vulnerable communities. Kaltum-Ahmed elaborated on how NTDs not only diminish productivity but also escalate healthcare expenses and exacerbate poverty due to the disabilities and complications they entail.
Representing the commissioner, Dr. Musa Tabari, Medical Director of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, emphasized that NTDs continue to be a significant public health challenge, primarily driven by factors such as poverty, inadequate sanitation, insufficient access to clean water, and limited healthcare services. Alarmingly, it is estimated that around six million individuals in Kaduna State are at risk of contracting one or more NTDs, including conditions like onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, and infections caused by soil-transmitted helminths.
Kaltum-Ahmed proudly noted the substantial progress made through various initiatives, including mass drug administration, effective morbidity management, integrated vector control, promotion of sanitation and hygiene, as well as improving access to safe drinking water. Notably, she reported that 15 out of the state's 18 local government areas had successfully interrupted the transmission of lymphatic filariasis, while treatment for onchocerciasis had ceased in 12 local government areas.
However, the commissioner pointed out that all 23 local government areas still report schistosomiasis cases, and 14 remain affected by soil-transmitted helminths, indicating a need for further impact assessments. Among the achievements, Kaltum-Ahmed highlighted that 1,261,262 people were treated for lymphatic filariasis out of an initial target of 1,571,893, equating to an impressive coverage rate of 80%. Additionally, 4,089,867 individuals received treatment for onchocerciasis, surpassing a target of 5,427,604, while 2,381,343 people were treated for schistosomiasis and intestinal worms, also achieving 80% coverage.
She further reported that the program had exceeded its goals in several areas, such as providing care for 110 individuals with lymphoedema, exceeding the target of 100, and performing 54 hydrocelectomy surgeries against a goal of 50. In a push for trachoma prevention, 2,501,457 children received azithromycin, out of a target of 2,875,242, marking a commendable coverage rate of 87%.
Kaltum-Ahmed reiterated the importance of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in preventing diseases and ensuring that people can access quality healthcare services without facing financial hardship. Furthermore, she mentioned that over ten local government areas in the state have achieved the status of being open defecation-free, aligning with national sanitation standards.
To enhance planning and interventions, a comprehensive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)-NTD integrated landscape analysis has been finalized. The Kaduna State NTD Control and Elimination Programme, with backing from Sightsavers, is set to release a revised master plan soon.
Earlier in the event, Dr. Saqid Abubakar-Idris, the State Director of Public Health, noted that World NTD Day serves as a crucial platform to assess progress, elevate awareness, and strengthen collaborative efforts. He remarked on the innovative approach adopted this year, merging celebrations with a stakeholder review meeting to foster deeper engagement. He expressed gratitude towards the Kaduna State Government, the Federal Ministry of Health, Sightsavers, and other partners, along with health workers and community drug distributors, whose contributions have been invaluable.
In a goodwill message, Dr. Teyil Wamyil-Mshelia, Country Coordinator for Trachoma at Sightsavers, commended the Ministry of Health for their sustained partnership aimed at eliminating NTDs in both the state and the broader region.
