Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
A delegation from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare visited the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) to bolster efforts toward making Nigeria trachoma-free by 2030.
Director-General of PLASCHEMA, Dr. Solomon Dawal Kwande, emphasized the importance of integrating trachoma treatment into state healthcare plans and ensuring sustainable elimination efforts.
The delegation included Esther Bature, Sightsavers Country Advocacy Coordinator; Dr. Felix Nwarienne, representing the Federal Ministry of Health; Dr. Teyil Wamyil Mshelia, Country Trachoma Lead; and officials from HANDS.
Esther Bature highlighted the need for collective action, stating that WHO aims for Nigeria to be trachoma-free by 2030. She encouraged PLASCHEMA to include Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT) surgeries in its health packages, reduce out-of-pocket costs, assign desk officers to assist patients, and register vulnerable residents—aligning Plateau with other states like Kano and Jigawa.
Dr. Kwande assured full support for the initiative until Nigeria achieves trachoma-free status.
Trachoma, a highly contagious bacterial eye infection, is the leading preventable cause of blindness globally. Symptoms include itching, eye irritation, and eventual blurred vision. The disease primarily affects impoverished communities, with four local government areas in Plateau—Kanam, Langtang North, Langtang South, and Wase—identified as endemic.
The collaboration signals a strong commitment to eliminating this preventable cause of blindness and improving healthcare access for vulnerable communities.
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