The Kogi State Government, in partnership with Sightsavers, has launched the 2025 Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM) campaign to prevent Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness.
The initiative targets all 3,200 communities across the state, aiming to reach 4.5 million residents aged five and above. The State Commissioner for Health, Adeiza Abdulazeez, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Steven Momoh, inaugurated the two-day preparatory meeting in Lokoja on Monday.
Abdulazeez reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating river blindness in Kogi and said the meeting would review past progress, identify gaps, and plan the upcoming Mectizan distribution cycle scheduled for March. He acknowledged the dedication of health workers and stakeholders, as well as the support of development partners, particularly Sightsavers, in advancing the state’s disease-control efforts.
The state NTD Coordinator, Musa Momohjimoh, noted that Kogi remains endemic for Onchocerciasis due to its water-rich environment, with the River Niger and River Benue running through several local government areas. He highlighted that treatment efforts have been ongoing since 1997, with more than 27 rounds of mass drug administration conducted. Despite progress, he warned that some areas still face persistent transmission and urged residents to participate fully in the upcoming campaign.
Sightsavers Programme Officer, Phoebe Hindan, said the 10-day campaign will focus on treatment and closing gaps from previous rounds to achieve full disease elimination. NTD Data Manager, Betsy Ibenu, added that the meeting also refined strategies and work plans to ensure complete geographical and therapeutic coverage.
Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration reiterated its commitment to improving health outcomes across the state, promising strong coordination and support for all neglected tropical disease elimination programmes.
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