By Joy Salami
The Kogi State Coordinator for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD), under the National NTD Elimination Program, Mr. Alabi Albert, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to tackling NTDs as Kogi joins the world in marking the 2025 World NTD Day.
During an advocacy visit to The Graphic Newspaper, Mr. Albert acknowledged the critical role of the media in driving awareness and sensitisation about NTDs. He expressed appreciation for the long-standing support of the paper stating that the media has played a crucial role in ensuring the public receives accurate information about NTDs and the available free medical interventions.
He noted that the Neglected Tropical Diseases Program is one of the major health intervention programmes in the state, providing free preventive chemotherapy to affected populations.
According to him, NTDs affect a significant portion of the population, making the intervention one of the most extensive health programs in the state. He emphasised that the medications distributed are completely free, underscoring the importance of public awareness in ensuring that more people benefit from the initiative.
In line with the global theme for the 2025 World NTD Day ,”Act, Ask, Invest to End NTDs,” the state has outlined a three-day programme for the commemoration, the longest period it has ever dedicated to the event.
The activities commenced on January 28 with advocacy visits to key stakeholders, including the media, to highlight the progress made in combating NTDs in Kogi State.
On January 29, the programme was extend to selected secondary schools, where students were educated on the diagnosis, prevention, and control of NTDs. Emphasis was also placed on personal hygiene and the importance of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices.
This year’s activities include collaboration with the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria, an academic body with branches in institutions such as the Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State University Anyigba, and Kwara State University Ilorin.
The commemoration will culminate on January 30 with a road walk and a campus walk, followed by a live radio broadcast aimed at further sensitising the public.
Providing an overview of the state’s journey in NTD control, Mr. Albert recalled that the intervention began with a mapping survey conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Federal Ministry of Health.
The survey identified four endemic NTDs in Kogi State: River blindness (onchocerciasis), lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), schistosomiasis (bilharzia), and soil-transmitted helminths (intestinal worms). The fifth disease, trachoma, was found to be non-endemic in the state.
According to him, since 1997, the state has administered Mectizan and Albendazole annually to combat river blindness and lymphatic filariasis. For schistosomiasis, the state provides Praziquantel to school-age children, while targeted deworming programs address soil-transmitted helminths. Over the years, surveys and assessments have shown significant progress in eliminating these diseases, with recent tests indicating that several local government areas have passed key transmission assessment surveys.
Mr. Albert highlighted ongoing entomological surveillance efforts, including the capture of black flies, the vector responsible for transmitting river blindness.
He stressed the irreversible nature of blindness caused by onchocerciasis and the severe consequences of lymphatic filariasis, which can lead to lifelong disfigurement. Reaffirming the state’s commitment to eliminating these diseases by sustaining mass drug administration and maintaining high levels of public awareness.
The coordinator also emphasised the importance of continued vigilance to prevent the resurgence of NTDs, particularly given Kogi State’s unique position as the only state in Nigeria sharing borders with nine others. To address cross-border transmission risks, the state plans to strengthen partnerships with the Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Environment, and Ministry of Rural Development to ensure access to clean water and improved sanitation.
Responding on behalf of The Graphic Newspaper, Managing Director Mr. Yusuf Itopa, commended the efforts of the NTD team and reaffirmed the media house’s commitment to supporting the initiative.
He acknowledged the importance of public awareness in combating NTDs and assured the team of continued collaboration in disseminating critical health information while assuring the team that The Graphic Newspaper remains dedicated to amplifying the message of NTD elimination.
Itopa encouraged further engagements after the main events to provide additional coverage and ensure the public remains informed about the progress made in controling NTDs.
With Kogi State making significant strides towards eliminating NTDs, stakeholders remain optimistic that sustained interventions and partnerships will accelerate progress toward a future free from these debilitating diseases.
