Trachoma Endemic Threat to Nigeria’s Feature, by Muhammad Salis Sulaiman

I am expressing my deep concern about the alarming rate of trachoma endemic in Nigeria, which poses a significant threat to the vision of millions of citizens. As reported recently, approximately 120 million Nigerians are at risk of contracting this debilitating disease.

If left unchecked, trachoma will have devastating consequences on our nation’s health, economy, and social fabric. The disease will lead to:

1. Irreversible blindness: Trachoma can cause permanent vision loss, condemning millions to a life of darkness and dependency.

2. Economic burden: Blindness will lead to loss of productivity, reduced economic independence, and increased burden on caregivers and families.

3. Social isolation: Trachoma victims will face social stigma, isolation, and reduced opportunities for education and employment.

4. Increased poverty: The economic burden of trachoma will perpetuate the cycle of poverty, exacerbating Nigeria’s socioeconomic challenges.

5. Reduced human capital: Trachoma will deprive Nigeria of its most valuable resource human capital undermining national development and progress.

Furthermore, trachoma will disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including women and children, exacerbating existing social and economic inequalities.

To avert this impending disaster, I urge the federal and state governments, healthcare providers, and international organizations to:

1. Increase funding for trachoma prevention and treatment programs.

2. Implement the SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement).

3. Provide training for healthcare workers to diagnose and treat trachoma.

4. Promote awareness through community-based initiatives.

5. Integrate trachoma into the national healthcare agenda.

Time is running out. We must act now to prevent trachoma from becoming a national calamity. I implore your readers to join the fight against trachoma and demand action from our leaders.

Muhammad Salis Sulaiman

Department of mass communication, Borno State University, Maiduguri.