By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano
The Health and Development Support Programme (HANDS), in collaboration with Kano State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), has canvassed for the availability of clean water as part of efforts to eradicate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Kano state.
Stakeholders and community influencers from seven Local Government Areas in the state converged for a town hall meeting aimed at strengthening water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices through social and behavioural change communication (SBCC) as part of efforts to eliminate NTDs.
In his remarks, RUWASA Managing Director, Engr. Shamwilu Abdulqadir Tsamiya explained that the initiative is designed to raise awareness on the role of WASH in preventing NTDs, improve stakeholder collaboration, and promote community-driven feedback for sustainable impact.
According to him, the objectives of the program include strengthening community engagement, advancing effective SBCC strategies, and facilitating dialogue among stakeholders to enhance coordination.
HANDS Programme Officer, Muhammad Dan Aro Yusuf, highlighted the organisation’s longstanding role in the fight against NTDs, recalling its interventions since 1996.
He said stakeholders and community influencers from the seven implementing LGAs under the Eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis in Africa Project are central to driving the SBCC component.
He further stated that, “the SBCC approach leverages community influencers to promote WASH practices, personal hygiene, clean water usage, and environmental sanitation.
“We want them to return to their communities and educate both current and future generations on eliminating NTDs and other diseases.”
In his presentation titled “Overview of Neglected Tropical Diseases and WASH,” HANDS consultant Shehu Musa Ishaq identified critical challenges hindering the comprehensive elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Kano State.
Umar noted that poor coordination and inadequate information sharing between the WASH and NTD sectors continue to undermine efforts, alongside insufficient capacity among health workers and professionals.
He further stressed that limited awareness among citizens, coupled with the urgent need to strengthen existing WASH facilities, remains a major obstacle to achieving lasting progress in combating NTDs in the state.
A participant who doubles as Head of WASH Sumaila LGA, Salmanu Sani Gaya, described access to potable drinking water as a major catalyst in eradicating NTDs.
He disclosed that Sumaila LGA has been at the forefront of water provision across its 11 wards, adding that plans are at an advanced stage to construct public toilets in markets, motor parks, and other public places to curb open defecation and reduce the spread of diseases.
Also speaking, Umma Salisu Musa from the WASH Department of the Kano Ministry for Local Governments, urged participants to cascade the knowledge gained from the meeting to their communities to sustain efforts toward an NTD-free society.
Participants included religious leaders, women leaders, youth groups, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), health workers, and WASH officials from Madobi, Kura, Kabo, Karaye, Kunchi, Rogo, and Sumaila LGA.
(Stakeholders during the meeting)
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