By Samaila Bayo, Birnin Kebbi
Efforts to eliminate Trachoma and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Kebbi State have intensified as Sightsavers, in collaboration with key stakeholders and the state government, convened a high-level meeting in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.
The strategic session, themed “Sanitation and Hygiene Awareness and Sensitization Agenda,” was held at Kamba Motel and focused on developing a concrete action plan to tackle the persistent health challenges in Augie Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event, Sightsavers’ Country Coordinator For Trachoma, Dr. Teyil Wamyil Mshelia, who represented the Country Director, Professor Joy Shu’aibu, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to eradicating Trachoma and related tropical diseases in the area.
“The fight against Trachoma is critical for us because we are channeling all efforts and resources to ending it in Kebbi,” she said. “Augie is the only local government yet to eradicate Trachoma. Through this stakeholders’ engagement, we aim to unite traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, as well as ministries of environment, health, education, and sanitation, to achieve this goal.”
Dr. Mshelia emphasized that improved sanitation and hygiene play a vital role in combating open defecation and infectious diseases. She noted that the organization is strengthening community engagement to ensure sustainable health outcomes.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Augie Local Government, Hon. Yahaya Mohammed Augie, pledged his council’s full support for the initiative, stressing the need for collective action.
“Out of the 14 local government areas affected by neglected tropical diseases in Kebbi, Augie is the only one still battling Trachoma and related diseases. We are ready to support all efforts to end them,” he said.
At the close of the meeting, stakeholders agreed to conduct a comprehensive survey to assess water availability in the area—an essential step toward improving sanitation, ending open defecation, and ultimately eliminating neglected tropical diseases in Augie.
