Benue State eliminates blinding trachoma in Gwer East, Gwer West, and Ukum following years of targeted health interventions

The Benue State Government has announced the successful elimination of blinding trachoma in three local government areas – Gwer East, Gwer West, and Ukum – following sustained interventions under the state’s Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Control and Elimination Programme.

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The achievement was disclosed by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, during a press conference marking the 2026 World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day, held in collaboration with Sightsavers.

The event carried the theme, “Unite, Act, Eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).”

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Beatrice Tsavmbu, Ogwuche highlighted that the milestone resulted from targeted interventions, strong community engagement, and years of coordinated efforts to tackle neglected tropical diseases across the state.

“I am proud to announce the elimination of blinding trachoma in three of our most affected areas: Gwer East, Gwer West, and Ukum. No longer will these communities face the blindness that trachoma has long inflicted,” Dr. Ogwuche said.

Dr. Tsavmbu noted that despite this success, Benue State remains highly endemic for several neglected tropical diseases, placing over six million residents at risk.

She cited the overlapping presence of diseases such as onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminth infections, leprosy, Buruli ulcer, and snakebite envenoming across the state’s 23 local government areas.

Over the last five years, the state has treated an average of more than five million people through preventive chemotherapy, morbidity management, disability prevention, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives, alongside integrated vector control measures.

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The elimination of trachoma in these LGAs marks a significant public health achievement for Benue State, reflecting the effectiveness of sustained disease control programmes and active community involvement.