Health Awareness and New Development Services (HANDS NGO), a non-governmental organization, has successfully conducted hydrocele surgeries for 500 patients across 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kano State. This initiative aims to alleviate the burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and improve healthcare access for affected individuals.
The team lead of HANDS NGO in Kano, Mr. Adara Priestly, disclosed this during the Lymphatic Filariasis Project Coordinating Meeting held on in Kano. He emphasized that all patients underwent successful surgeries and received necessary post-operative care.
Priestly highlighted the severe societal stigma faced by individuals suffering from lymphedema and hydrocele. “In response, we are providing counseling and psychosocial support to help them navigate and overcome this stigma,” he stated.
The NTDs Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention Project in Kano State is dedicated to tackling challenges posed by these diseases through a holistic approach. According to Priestly, the project focuses on improving the quality of life for NTD-affected individuals by ensuring access to essential healthcare services, treatment, and support.
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“Despite ongoing efforts to combat NTDs in Kano, significant gaps remain in the healthcare system,” he noted. “These include limited access to treatment, inadequate resources for disease surveillance, and a lack of awareness about preventive measures.”
He stressed that collaboration between HANDS NGO and local health authorities is essential for effectively addressing these challenges and improving overall health outcomes in the state.
Priestly further explained that the primary goal of the project is to ensure access to hydrocele surgeries and lymphedema management services through the Kano State Hospital Management Board. Additionally, psychosocial support and community-based lymphedema services are being provided to affected individuals and caregivers through the NTD units.
Dr. Abubakar Zarewa, Kano State Coordinator for NTDs, stated that the coordinating meeting was convened to engage stakeholders involved in the disease awareness and treatment campaign. He acknowledged the project’s success throughout the year and announced that a new schistosomiasis mass drug administration campaign would commence on soon.
“We will train the patients receiving the drugs and implement a five-day campaign,” Zarewa noted. “As we approach the conclusion of the project in March, we will evaluate the number of cases treated, surgeries performed, and ongoing healthcare interventions.”
Additionally, healthcare workers are receiving training on managing lipedema patients, with the goal of equipping clinical health professionals with the necessary skills for long-term disease management.
In his remarks, Dr. Abdullahi Ahmed, Deputy Director of Public Health at the Kano State Ministry of Health, reiterated the government’s commitment to working with stakeholders in the eradication of neglected tropical diseases across the state.
Through initiatives like HANDS’ hydrocele surgery project and the broader NTD eradication efforts, Kano State is making significant progress in enhancing healthcare accessibility and improving the quality of life for affected individuals. With sustained partnerships and awareness campaigns, the fight against neglected tropical diseases continues to gain momentum.
