Nigeria Achieves 87% Progress in Trachoma Elimination

Nigeria has made significant strides in trachoma elimination, achieving 87% progress towards its target, as disclosed by Professor Adamu Moham, chairman of the National Trachoma Task Force, during an event organized by Sightsav and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Thursday. Currently, 11 local government areas (LGAs) remain to attain elimination status.

The National Trachoma Task Force has been providing technical guidance and monitoring implementation in line with international standards, collaborating closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and state governments. Borno State bears the highest burden of the disease, with insecurity limiting access to seven endemic LGAs.

Dr. Mshelia Teyil, a trachoma coordinator at Sightsav, noted that since the program's launch in 2018, significant advancements have been made, including conducting 60,000 trachoma trichiasis surgeries and distributing nearly 29 million doses of azithromycin.

Dr. Nichola Olobio from the Federal Ministry of Health reported that mass drug administration has stopped in 116,134 LGAs, representing 87% progress.

Despite these achievements, insecurity and displacement remain major obstacles to eliminating trachoma.