In a landmark public health victory, Kaduna State has officially eliminated trachoma a bacterial infection and one of the world’s leading causes of blindness. The milestone, announced at a ceremony in Asaba, marks a triumph of leadership, collaboration, and persistence under Governor Uba Sani’s administration.
Trachoma, a preventable tropical disease, has plagued many parts of northern Nigeria for decades, robbing thousands of their sight. Its elimination in Kaduna is not merely a medical achievement; it represents years of sustained intervention, community partnership, and investment in public health infrastructure.
According to the Permanent Secretary of the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, Ms. Aisha Abubakar, the success was achieved through coordinated action involving the Federal Government, Sightsavers International, and thousands of community volunteers. “Through the SAFE strategy Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement — trachoma has been made ancient history in Kaduna State,” she stated.
Ms. Abubakar revealed that 558,761 residents of Igabi Local Government Area received antibiotics, 683 individuals across 11 endemic LGAs underwent corrective eye surgeries, 10 ophthalmic nurses were trained as trichiasis surgeons, 122 boreholes were constructed, and over 10,000 community health workers were deployed across the state.
For the Country Coordinator for Trachoma at Sightsavers, Teyil Wamyil-Mshelia, the announcement was a moment of shared pride. “Kaduna is one of the first states where Sightsavers began its work globally. It’s been 73 years of partnership, and we are proud to see this progress. Kaduna has met all the World Health Organization (WHO) requirements showing that trachoma is no longer a public health problem here,” she said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines “elimination” as the point where a disease no longer constitutes a public health threat. Kaduna has now reached this threshold, signaling a decisive victory in one of Nigeria’s longest-running battles against preventable blindness.
Governor Uba Sani’s administration has been praised for its inclusive and data-driven approach to public health. The government’s partnership model engaging communities, traditional rulers, and local institutions — has proven that lasting change requires trust and participation.
The Kaduna success story was not achieved overnight. It took years of health education, infrastructure improvements, and behavioral change. The government prioritised hygiene education, access to clean water, and consistent health outreach across all 23 local government areas.
Critics have often questioned whether large-scale health campaigns are worth the cost, but the results in Kaduna tell a different story. The true cost of inaction blindness, lost productivity, and deepened poverty far outweighs any investment made. As one health official noted, “Every eye saved represents not just restored vision but restored hope, dignity, and productivity.”
Governor Uba Sani’s broader healthcare agenda also reflects his commitment to inclusive governance. Over 15,000 vulnerable residents have been enrolled in the Kaduna State Health Insurance Scheme, while existing Primary Health Centres and General Hospitals are being revitalized, staffed, and equipped.
Observers believe that Kaduna’s model should be replicated nationwide. By focusing on prevention, capacity building, and community ownership, the state has set a new benchmark for health governance in Nigeria.
The elimination of trachoma is more than a medical success it’s a story of how purposeful leadership, collaboration, and empathy can bring lasting change. Thousands of Kaduna residents will now live free from the fear of blindness, and the achievement stands as a symbol of what’s possible when governance is driven by service, not politics.
As Kaduna celebrates this milestone, Governor Uba Sani’s message to citizens is clear: “We are not done yet. Our eyes are now set on tackling other preventable diseases because every Kaduna resident deserves the gift of health and hope.”
