By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, Sept. 10, 2025
In a significant step towards eliminating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Kogi, the State Ministry of Health, in partnership with Sightsavers, has successfully conducted a targeted surgical intervention to treat hydrocele.
Hydrocelea is a painful and stigmatizing condition caused by lymphatic filariasis.
A total of 40 patients received free hydrocele surgeries at three zonal hospitals in Idah, Kabba, and Mohammed Buhari Mother and Child Hospital, Okene, restoring dignity and hope to the affected individuals.
The programme was coordinated by Nurse Albert Alabi, the State Coordinator for NTD Control Programme, through the State Hospital Management Board (KHMB) under the leadership of Dr Ayo Olayemi.
In his remarks at Idah, Dr Olayemi, who represented the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, said the surgical intervention was part of the broader effort to eliminate NTDs in the state,
According to him, it demonstrates the commitment of state government and Sightsavers to improving the health and well-being of Kogi residents.
Alabi described Hydrocele, as a complication of lymphatic filariasis, affects the scrotum, leading to swelling, discomfort, and social exclusion.
He noted that many affected individuals suffer in silence due to limited access to treatment and the stigma associated with the condition.
Alabi said the surgical intervention, was made possible through the support of Gov. Ahmed Ododo, and funded by the Reaching the Last Mile (RLM) and Eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis in Africa (ELFA) donor projects.
He noted that a total of 234 patients had received free hydrocele surgeries between 2018 and 2025 with the support from the donour partners through Sightsavers.
He commended the Commissioner for Health for his leadership role towards the success of the intervention which has brought relief to the beneficiaries.
Alabi noted that NTDs, including lymphatic filariasis, are preventable when given timely attention, stressing the need for adequate awareness creation.
“This initiative highlights the importance of collaboration between government bodies and development partners in tackling NTDs and improving community health outcomes.
“The Kogi State Ministry of Health and Sightsavers have been working together to control lymphatic filariasis since 2010, through annual distribution of Mectizan and Albendazole,” Alabi said..
Mrs Phoebe Hindan, Program Officer for Sightsavers, said the organisation is partnering with the Kogi State Ministry of Health to support the management of morbidities arising from lymphatic filariasis.
She said the organisation is dedicated to promoting equal participation of persons with disabilities in society.
“Through its Reaching the Last Mile (RLM) and Eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis in Africa (ELFA) initiatives, Sightsavers provided funding for 40 hydrocele surgeries in Kogi State in 2025,” she said.
According to Phoebe, managing this disability is crucial to achieving the overall elimination of the disease in the state.
She emphasised the importance of creating awareness about the impact of lymphatic filariasis and clarifying myths surrounding hydrocele to encourage more people to access treatment.
“It is essential for us to create awareness on the impact of this disease and clarify the myths surrounding hydrocele so that more people will come out to access the treatment.
“Sightsavers’ efforts in Kogi State aim to eliminate the disease and promote the well-being of persons with disabilities,” she said.
In their separate comments, the beneficiaries commended the Kogi State Government, Sightsavers and partners for coming to their aid, giving them a new lease on life.
“”I was ashamed to be seen in public, but now I can move around freely without fear of being ridiculed. Thank you to the doctors and everyone involved”, John Adebayo from Kabba said.
Aliyu Jimoh from Okene, said: “This surgery has restored my dignity and confidence. I’m grateful for the free treatment and the care shown by the medical team.”
End
