FCTA to begin mass deworming campaign in February

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Public Health Department has announced that the 2024 Spill-over Mass Administration of Medicine (MAM) to deworm children against schistosomiasis and soil helminthiasis would begin on Feb. 17.

The initiative, which will run from February 17 to 21, was discussed at a stakeholders meeting held in Abuja.

The MAM exercise will be carried out in four area councils of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, and Kuje, targeting children between the ages of 5 and 14 years.

The campaign follows the suspension of the earlier MAM exercise in Abaji and Kwali in December 2024, which was delayed due to the planned strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Dr Eunice Ogundipe, FCT Coordinator for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), who was represented by Mrs Lami Ndayako, explained that the stakeholders meeting was aimed at sensitising the public to the upcoming MAM exercise.

She stressed that the medicine for schistosomiasis and soil helminthiasis should be administered to children only after they have eaten.

Ogundipe emphasised that local community stakeholders would play a crucial role in spreading awareness about the importance of the medicine.

“These stakeholders are respected in their communities and will help ensure the exercise is successful,” she stated.

Mr Achai Ijah, Programme Officer at the FCT Health and Development Support Programme (HANDS), noted that the involvement of key community leaders, including traditional and religious leaders, would help boost acceptance of the MAM programme.

Mrs Imaobong Okorie-Umah, Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said the ministry would review its approach and adopt new strategies to ensure that people accept the medicine.

Okorie-Umah, who is also the Programme Manager for Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis at the ministry, encouraged parents to ensure their children eat enough food before taking the medicine.

Mr Joseph Agbana, Coordinator of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), promised to ensure that private school proprietors educate parents about the deworming campaign.