By Ahmed Ahmed
The Bauchi State government has made significant progress in its efforts to eliminate trachoma, a leading cause of blindness and visual impairment, that treated over 13,000 cases of trachoma trichiiasis (TT) across 19 local government areas from December 2017 to 2023.
The State Commissioner of Health Dr. Adamu Sambo disclosed this at the closure of the Trachoma Trichiiasis project on Thursday in Bauchi
He said trachoma elimination program, supported by Sightsavers and the Health and Development Support Program (HANDS), has achieved remarkable success
“Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program has trained 14 active TT surgeons and 42 assistants, as well as 17,912 community mobilizers for house-to-house TT case search.
The Commissioner, represented by Dr Rilwanu Mohammed Executive Chairman State Primary health care Development Board praised partners for their efforts in fighting NTDs.,
He said the program’s achievements demonstrate the commitment of the Bauchi State Government, donors, and supporting partners to eliminating trachoma and improving the health and well-being of its citizens.
Dr. Joy Shuaibu, Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria commended the Bauchi State Government for it’s committed to eliminating NTDs with a focus on trachoma.
She said is a remarkable achievements for the state government to support the Trachoma Trichiiasis project treated 13,507 patients from 2017 to 2023.
“We were give all the necessary support to achieve this milestone,”
Dr. Innocent Emeruwa, HANDS Program Director, urged the state government to sustain the accelerated project and treatment of TT cases in the state.
Meanwhile,In a success story Daharatu Sarki, a 70-year-old grandmother from Kirfi Local Government, highlights the impact of the program.
Daharatu and her family benefited from TT surgery intervention, freeing them from years of pain and discomfort.