Sightsavers Nigeria has partnered with traditional, community, and religious leaders to eradicate trachoma and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The collaboration was formalised at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Birnin Kebbi, themed “Promoting Healthy Practices and Strengthening Community Engagement for Facial Cleanliness and Environmental Improvement.”
Country Director Prof. Joy Shu’aibu, represented by Dr Teyil Wamyil-Mshelia, said the effort aligns with Sightsavers’ goal to eliminate preventable diseases through strong community participation.
Augie Council Chairman, Alhaji Yahaya Muhammad, pledged full support to make the area open-defecation free, while officials from the State Ministries of Environment and Health reaffirmed their commitment to promoting hygiene.
UNICEF and RUWASA also pledged continued support for sanitation projects, stressing that trachoma and other NTDs remain major health challenges in poor, rural communities.
Leaders at the meeting called for the reintroduction of local sanitation officers and the formation of hygiene taskforces led by traditional rulers to sustain progress.
