Kogiflame
The Kogi State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Sightsavers and the Federal Ministry of Health has launched a two-day planning meeting to strategize the Mass Administration of Praziquantel Medicines (MAM) to prevent Schistosomiasis disease among children aged 5-14 in Ibaji, Kogi, and Lokoja Local Government Areas of the state.
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by blood flukes, which are transmitted when people come into contact with freshwater infested with larval forms of the parasite.
It can cause initial symptoms like an itchy rash, followed by fever, chills, and muscle aches, and can lead to long-term organ damage if untreated.
The Permanent Secretary, Kogi State Ministry of Health, Mr Steven Momoh, who declared the meeting open on Tuesday in Lokoja, emphasised the importance of equitable and timely distribution of essential medicines to every child in the targeted LGAs and communities.
“This gathering marks a significant step in our collective effort to strengthen the health supply chain system,” he said.
Momoh highlighted the meeting’s key objectives including: examining logistics gaps, mapping distribution routes, and reviewing accountability mechanisms.
He commended the dedication of field officers and technical teams, and praised the Sightsavers for its commitment to partnering with Kogi towards eliminating NTDs in the state.
He assured that the ministry’s commitment to providing leadership, policy direction, and logistical support for a robust and responsive health supply system in Kogi State.
Sightsavers NTD Programme Officer in Kogi, Mrs Hindan Phoebe
stated that the planning meeting is a platform for reviewing microplans and developing strategies to distribute Praziquantel to the targeted children aged 5-14 in Ibaji, Kogi, and Lokoja, which are the endemic LGAs involved in this phase of implementation.
According to Phoebe, after the planning meeting the team will train teachers and caregivers at local level, and commence medicine distribution from November 17 to 28, 2025.
Phoebe reaffirmed Sightsavers’ commitment to providing technical support and funding to eliminate Schistosomiasis and other NTDs in Kogi State.
She praised the success recorded since 2014 and expressed optimism about developing a concrete workplan to achieve expected coverage for the 2025 MAM round.
Earlier, Mrs Betsy Ibenu, Training Officer for NTD Unit, Kogi State Ministry of Health, provided an overview of Schistosomiasis, its symptoms, and target groups.
She said the meeting objectives include developing strategies for achieving 2025 treatment and training targets for Schistosomiasis MAM.
She said the meeting will also create a workplan for achieving both geographic and therapeutic coverages, and discussing lessons learned from previous implementations.
Prof Jacqueline Badaki, the Coordinator, of Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), Kogi State Chapter commended Sightsavers’ efforts and consistent provisions of free drugs and training of health workers and other care givers.
Badaki emphasised the need for stakeholder engagement, robust surveillance, and WASH interventions to reduce Schistosomiasis transmission. She enjoined the state government to prioritize provision of portable water as access to clean water is essential in the control and prevention of Schistosomiasis.
The Acting State Coordinator of NTDs, Musa Momoh Jimoh, highlighted challenges from the last MDA, including incorrect dosing, poor documentation, and data integrity issues.
The planning meeting is expected to yield a comprehensive distribution plan, ensuring that medicines reach the people who need them, when they need them, and ultimately reducing the burden of Schistosomiasis in Kogi State.
