By Victor Okoye
Abuja, June 24, 2026 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the 2026 Schistosomiasis Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM) campaign across the territory.
The Director, Public Health Department, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Teresa Nwachukwu, made the call at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
Nwachukwu was represented by the Head, Disease Control Division, Dr Ngozi Ebisike.
She described schistosomiasis as a major public health challenge, particularly among school-aged children and vulnerable populations.
According to her, the disease continues to affect the health, education, and productivity of affected communities.
“The forthcoming MAM campaign is a critical intervention aimed at reducing the burden of schistosomiasis and protecting the health of our children and communities,” she said.
Ebisike said the stakeholders’ meeting was convened to strengthen partnerships, share information, and mobilise support for the campaign.
She added that the intervention would be implemented across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Ebisike commended representatives of Area Councils, traditional and religious leaders, development partners, education stakeholders, and the media for their commitment to public health programmes.
“Your presence here reflects a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of residents of the FCT.
“As key stakeholders, your role in community mobilisation, advocacy, and dissemination of accurate information is vital to achieving high treatment coverage,” she said.
She stressed the need to ensure that every eligible child benefits from the intervention.
According to her, collective action remains essential to eliminating schistosomiasis as a public health problem in the FCT.
Ebisike urged participants to contribute actively to discussions and share ideas that would enhance the success of the campaign.
She also appreciated partners and stakeholders for their continued support to the Public Health Department.
“We value your partnership and commitment towards safeguarding the health of our communities.
“Together, we can achieve the goal of eliminating schistosomiasis and improving health outcomes across the FCT,” she said.
Also speaking, Achai Ijah, Programme Officer and FCT State Lead, Health and Development Support Programme (HANDS), said the organisation was supporting the implementation of neglected tropical diseases interventions in the FCT.
Ijah said the 2026 Schistosomiasis MAM campaign would target children aged five to 14 years in both schools and communities across the territory.
According to him, the deworming exercise is designed to reduce the burden of schistosomiasis among school-aged children and improve their health outcomes.
He said the engagement was aimed at securing the support and cooperation of critical stakeholders for the successful implementation of the programme.
“We are engaging community leaders, religious leaders, ward development committee chairmen, persons with disabilities, education stakeholders and NTD coordinators from the six Area Councils to ensure inclusive participation in the campaign,” he said.
Ijah said stakeholders played a crucial role in creating awareness and encouraging acceptance of the intervention at the community level.
“A week ago, we held a planning meeting to develop strategies for effective implementation of the programme.
“This engagement is intended to intimate stakeholders with our plans and secure their buy-in because the success of the intervention depends largely on their support,” he said.
He noted that residents were more likely to embrace health interventions when messages were conveyed through trusted community, religious, and political leaders.
“There is a need for strong collaboration with these stakeholders because their endorsement will encourage greater participation and help us achieve the desired coverage,” he added.
The meeting brought together officials from RUWASSA, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), the Primary Health Care Board (PHCB), education authorities and community leaders. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
