Kogi Targets 4.5 Million Residents in Fresh Campaign Against River Blindness
By Momodu Favour
The Kogi State Ministry of Health has launched a renewed campaign to eliminate river blindness across the state, targeting no fewer than 4.5 million residents in a large-scale distribution of preventive medicines.
The initiative, unveiled under the state’s Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Programme in collaboration with Sightsavers, marks the commencement of the 2025 Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM) for the prevention of Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness.
Speaking at the inauguration of a two-day MAM review meeting in Lokoja, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adeiza Abdulazeez, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating the disease.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Steven Momoh, the commissioner said the meeting was convened to assess progress, identify implementation gaps, and fine-tune strategies ahead of the Mectizan distribution cycle scheduled for March.
He disclosed that the mass drug administration would cover all 3,200 communities across Kogi State and target residents aged five years and above.
“The Ministry of Health will continue to provide leadership, coordination, and support for neglected tropical diseases elimination programmes to ensure that no community is left behind,” he said.
The State NTD Coordinator, Mr. Musa Momohjimoh, explained that Kogi remains endemic for Onchocerciasis largely due to its water-rich environment, with the River Niger and River Benue traversing several local government areas.
According to him, the state has sustained treatment efforts since 1997, administering more than 27 rounds of mass drug distribution.
“While we have achieved significant milestones in controlling the disease, some areas still record endemic transmission. We must intensify efforts to interrupt transmission completely,” he stated, urging residents to participate actively in the upcoming exercise.
Sightsavers Programme Officer, Phoebe Hindan, stressed the need for strategic implementation to ensure comprehensive geographical and therapeutic coverage.
“This exercise is designed to close gaps observed in previous implementations. Our goal is not just continued treatment but total elimination of the disease,” she said.
Hindan noted that the medicine distribution would last 10 days and called on community leaders and stakeholders to support planning and mobilisation efforts to maximise participation.
Also speaking, Sightsavers NTD Data Manager, Betsy Ibenu, said the meeting would focus on micro-planning strategies, deep-dive investigations into coverage gaps, and the development of a detailed work plan to achieve optimal results.
Stakeholders at the meeting included heads of health departments, NTD team members, representatives of the Kogi branch of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), NAFDAC, CAN, JNI, and other partners.
Participants pledged their commitment to ensuring the success of the 2025 campaign, expressing optimism that with sustained collaboration, Kogi State can achieve the elimination of river blindness in the near future.
