By Rotimi Odofin
Kogi State Ministry of Health, in partnership with Sightsavers, has initiated a two-day planning meeting aimed at achieving the 2025 treatment goals for schistosomiasis. The initiative, led by the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Control Program, seeks to enhance the health supply chain system, ensuring that essential medications reach every health facility and patient in Kogi, Lokoja, and Ibaji Local Government Areas.
The meeting was officially declared opened by Mr. Momoh Steven Aziz, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, on behalf of the Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, at the NUT Hall in Lokoja today, November 4th, 2025. Mr. Aziz emphasized that the equitable and timely distribution of drugs is fundamental to an effective healthcare delivery system. He highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to not only ensuring the availability of quality medicines but also optimizing their distribution to ensure no community, regardless of its remoteness, is overlooked. The planning meeting serves as a crucial platform for coordination, data review, and strategic alignment.
The Permanent Secretary disclosed that focus of the meeting includes identifying existing gaps in logistics and inventory management, mapping out distribution routes, and developing practical strategies for last-mile delivery. Additionally, the meeting aims to review mechanisms for accountability and transparency in handling, storage, and reporting, thereby ensuring the integrity of the entire process.
Mr. Aziz reiterated that the success of this initiative relies on the collaboration between the Ministry, Sightsavers, local government health authorities, and community stakeholders. He urged participants to work together to design a distribution plan that is evidence-based, efficient, and sustainable.
He assured the gathering that the Ministry remains committed to providing the leadership, policy direction, and logistical support necessary for a robust and responsive health supply system in Kogi State.
During a comprehensive presentation at the meeting, the Acting Coordinator of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) in the State Ministry of Health, Musa Momohjimoh, announced that the treatment initiative is set to commence at the ward level and that the medication are available in 600 mg doses and is specifically targeted at school-aged children between 5 and 15 years old.
He urged local government coordinators to ensure that Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meetings are conducted in each locality prior to the distribution and administration of schistosomiasis treatment in schools. He emphasized the importance of parents being fully informed about the distribution and treatment process involving their children.
The coordinator highlighted the critical role of accurate data collection by field officers in ensuring the success of the treatment program across the state and appealed to field officers to diligently ensure that the medication and treatments reach the core group of pupils in rural communities.
A key component of the planning process involves training 72 health workers to effectively carry out the treatment exercise.
Olurotimi Phillip Odofin Information Officer Ministry of Health Lokoja
