Northern Pulse: World NTD: Kad. Govt embarks on rural sensitisation

By Stella Kabruk

The Kaduna State Government has embarked on sensitisation in rural communities to end Neglected Tropical Diseases by 2030.

Speaking at the event, the State NTD Coordinator, Zainab Haruna, said the exercise was part of activities to commemorate World NTD Day, observed annually on January 30.

She said the World NTD Day celebration aims to draw attention to diseases that affect millions of people, particularly in rural and underserved communities, and to mobilise action toward their elimination.

According to her, the choice of Kwaro community was informed by the prevalence of trachoma in the area, stressing that awareness and community participation are critical to eliminating the diseases.

She reiterated the state commitment to eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) as activities marking the 2026 World NTD Day were held in Igabi Local Government Area.

The event, which took place in Kwaro community, brought together health officials and residents for a sensitisation campaign on the dangers of neglected tropical diseases, particularly trachoma, which remains endemic in parts of Igabi.

She noted that the Kaduna State Government has continued to support efforts aimed at ending NTDs, in line with the national and global roadmap targeted at achieving elimination by the year 2030.

Haruna expressed optimism over the level of turnout and participation by community members, saying it shows a positive response to awareness campaigns across the state.

She urged residents of endemic communities to cooperate with Community Drug Distributors during Mass Administration of Medicines, explaining that drugs such as Mectizan and Albendazole are provided free of charge to treat and prevent neglected tropical diseases.

The State NTD Coordinator also commended the Igabi Local Government authorities and community leaders for their support, describing their cooperation as key to the success of the programme.

She said the sensitisation in Kwaro community was a walk around the community to interface with residents on the five neglected tropical diseases which the state, in partnership with Sight Saver, is working on eliminating by 2030.

Responding on behalf of the District Head of the area, Bashir Ahmed appreciated the state government and relevant stakeholders for helping to ensure adequate sensitisation on the diseases and called on residents to maintain proper hygiene and other measures to checkmate the likelihood of the spread of the diseases.