Trachoma risk drops from 41m to 4m nationwide — FG

The Federal Government says the number of Nigerians at risk of trachoma-related blindness has plunged from 41 million to four million, following the suspension of mass drug administration in 116 of the 134 Local Government Areas previously classified as endemic.

The update was released at the Trachoma Quarterly Review Meeting in Abuja, convened by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in partnership with Sightsavers Nigeria and other stakeholders.

The session reviewed national and state progress toward eliminating trachoma and outlined the next steps in Nigeria’s elimination strategy.

Dr. Fatai Oyediran, National Coordinator of the Neglected Tropical Diseases Division, said 463 LGAs were initially mapped, with 134 identified as needing intervention.

He noted that drug administration was carried out in all affected areas except parts of Borno State due to insecurity.

According to Oyediran, stopping treatment in 116 LGAs represents an 87% reduction in disease burden.

He added that the sharp decline in the at-risk population—from 41 million to under four million—shows that the national programme has surpassed early projections and protected millions from preventable blindness.

He said about 36 million Nigerians are no longer at risk, a shift that places the country close to meeting its trachoma elimination target within the planned timeline.

The quarterly review, he added, also enabled stakeholders to assess 2025 activities and align national and state plans for stronger implementation in 2026.

Chair of the National Trachoma Task Force, Prof. Adamu Mohammed, said the country has achieved nearly a 90% reduction in trachoma-related blindness, crediting consistent surgeries, improved water supply, better sanitation, and widespread antibiotic treatment across all endemic LGAs.

Sightsavers Nigeria Country Director, Prof. Joy Shuai’bu, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the elimination effort.

She highlighted Sightsavers’ technical and financial support in about 18 states, including surgeries, antibiotic distribution, and guidance for the national programme.

She said Sightsavers’ role in the National Trachoma Task Force has strengthened decision-making and accelerated progress, calling trachoma one of Nigeria’s most achievable neglected tropical disease targets.

Shuai’bu restated the organisation’s commitment to helping Nigeria eliminate trachoma by 2029.