Sightsavers International and the Kaduna State Government are set to provide river blindness treatment to over 2.7 million residents across six local government areas (LGAs), including Makarfi, Lere, and Kaduna South.
The initiative was officially launched in Makarfi on Friday, aimed at combating the resurgence of the disease in the region.
Tabitha Kane, Senior Programme Officer at Sightsavers Nigeria, emphasised the importance of community awareness, stating, “It is crucial for the community to accept the medicine to eradicate river blindness.”
She urged traditional leaders to assist in disseminating information and encouraging local participation.
Joseph Ike, representing the Kaduna State Commissioner of Health, highlighted the safety of the treatment: “This medicine is 99.9 per cent safe for every individual aged five years and above.”
He detailed the distribution plan, noting that health workers will go door-to-door to ensure access.
The campaign marks a renewed effort in the state’s long-standing battle against river blindness, which began 28 years ago with the Community Directed Treatments with Ivermectin strategy. Ike added, “The medicine is available to all, except for a few specific groups,” reinforcing the program’s commitment to widespread treatment.
Bello Lawal, the District Head of Gubuchi, expressed hope for the initiative’s success, urging locals to embrace the treatment. “Accepting this medicine will protect you from blindness,” he affirmed.
