Hussaini Kafi in Kano
The Health and Development Support Programme (HANDS), in collaboration with the Kano State Government, has restated its commitment to eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in seven endemic local government areas of the state.
Speaking on Friday during a one-day planning and coordination meeting on Social Behavioural Communication Change (SBCC), HANDS State Lead, Adara Danjuma, said despite progress, urgent actions are still needed to completely eliminate five NTDs – schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, trachoma, and soil-transmitted helminths (STH).
According to him, schistosomiasis, once prevalent in all 44 LGAs, has been reduced to 33; lymphatic filariasis to four LGAs; onchocerciasis remains in 18 LGAs; while trachoma has been eliminated, down from 10 LGAs. STH persists in 17 LGAs.
Danjuma identified Karaye, Kiru, Kano, Madobi, Rogo, Sumaila, and Kura LGAs as endemic, stressing the need to address open defecation, poor sanitation, and unsafe water sources.
He noted that challenges such as weak coordination between WASH and NTD sectors, and inadequate health worker capacity, continue to hamper progress.
He added that strengthening WASH structures and raising public awareness remain critical to sustaining gains from preventive chemotherapy interventions.
RUWASA Managing Director, Engr. Shamwilu Abdulkadir Tsamiya, represented by Mobilisation Manager, Ahmad Shamaki, commended progress achieved so far and said the meeting would help define stakeholder roles, timelines, and strategies for eliminating NTDs in Kano.
