Connect with us

Lifestyle

Blinding Trachoma, big threat to Nigeria’s poorest

Published

4 years ago

on

The long term effects of some infectious diseases have reportedly increased the economic burden placed on many vulnerable persons, especially women and children.

One of such impoverishing infections according to experts is the blinding Trachoma, a neglected tropical disease that has mostly ravaged communities in northern Nigeria.

Trachoma is one of the major causes of blindness triggered by the bacterium Chlamydia Trachomatis and rapidly spread by flies as well as human contact, the World Health Organization says.

A recent estimate by the global health agency shows Trachoma is only responsible for about 3% of blindness in Nigeria but has remained highly prevalent in the northern parts.

Although preventable, an eye specialist, Dr Nicholas Olobio says the infection can scar the inside of the eyelids and damage the cornea, leading to blindness (trichiasis), if not treated early.

He explains ‘‘Trachoma can be transmitted from person to person through direct contact when an infected person rubs their eyes, the bacteria is transferred to their hands, they can then transfer the bacteria to someone else when shaking hands and the second person can infect themselves by rubbing their own eyes.

For years, Hussaina has begged for alms in traffics around Gwarimpa, she is blind and holds onto her little boy when approaching cars.

She fled insurgency on the back of a truck to an Abuja IDP camp but resorted to begging after going blind.

Hussaina may have survived insurgency but visual impairment further impoverished her quality of life.

‘’My eyes used to pain and scratch me in our village, it was bringing out water and my eyes swell up. I used to see a little before we ran to Abuja, but after some time, I couldn’t see again, she explained in Hausa’’.

No one can say for sure what caused Hussaina’s blindness as she was never diagnosed but her local government, Bungudu in Zamfara State is listed among those endemic for Trachoma by the federal health ministry.

Dr Olobio says the disease disproportionately affects children and women and is associated with poverty and characterized by overcrowding, dirty environment, poor personal hygiene and lack of diagnosis.

Nigeria’s health ministry says the country is now the fourth most endemic nation for trachoma globally, after Ethiopia, DRC and Cote d’Ivoire with LGA’s in Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara actively affected.

Dr Olobio who manages the National Trachoma Elimination program for the federal government says the number of people at risk of trachoma globally reduced to 137 million in March 2020 from the 1.5 billion it was in 2002.

‘‘At inception, about 30 million persons were at risk of going blind from trachoma in Nigeria but the risk has now been brought down to about 5 million, a reduction of 83%.

He says the reduction was achieved following advocacy and implementation of WASH interventions, conducting surveillance surveys and performing Trichiasis surgeries.

The target of the government is to reduce the active form of the disease to less than five percent in children aged 1-9years and suppress the prevalence of the blinding stage of the infection to less than zero point two percent (0.2%), Dr Olobio informed.

But first, it must deal with insecurity in regions most affected to treat more people, complete mapping of LGAs not yet reached and address the delay in the arrival of Zithromax, the drug of choice for Trachoma.

Culled from the Daily Post Nigeria

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Houston

Houston Gets a Taste of West Africa at Chef Kavachi’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Show, August 8

Published

2 months ago

on

July 30, 2025

By

When it comes to international culinary gems and cultures across the United States, the city of Houston is counted among one of the best places to experience an authentic taste of every corner of the world.

 On the evening of Friday, August 8th, Houstonians will have a chance to engage all of their senses into the world of real West African flavors at Grubido’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art Show, a free culinary and art experience taking place at Flatland Gallery (1709 Westheimer Rd.) in Montrose.

  Curated by Grubido founder and Culinary Cultural Curator Kavachi Ukegbu, the annual celebration of west African cuisine and artistry will once again open its doors to patrons to witness the delights of creating and eating Fufu (a starchy, dough-like food that is a staple in many West and Central African countries), and its delicious and diverse pairings of soups and stews that originate from various parts of the continent, and uniquely compliment the beloved food staple as a complete meal. The event will also celebrate the observance of National Fufu Day  in the United States on August 11th.

  From the process of how different types of fufu are grown and manufactured, to the careful guidance on properly preparing the fufu to be eaten, the ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art showcase will give patrons a full circle perspective and appreciation for the food staple that has gained global popularity on social media and in many countries around the world.

  Attendees will be treated to fufu and soup samples, live Afrobeats music, an impressive display of fufu inspired artwork and collectables from over the years, and the opportunity to purchase Grubido food products, t-shirts, and the official The Art of Fufu cookbook. Originally published and released by Chef Kavach in 2021, “The Art of Fufu is a fascinating and informative guide to fufu, one of the most delicious and beloved staple foods of West Africans.” All cookbook purchases at the event will be signed by Chef Kavachi.

Entry for this event is free to all guests, but RSVP is strictly required in advance. To RSVP for the upcoming Art of Fufu Food & Art show, please visit the official website online at www.TheArtofFufu.com, or contact Grubido at (832) 818-6847.

The Art of Fufu Cookbook is a culinary treasure that explores the flavors, techniques, and cultural significance of fufu. It is a testament to the artistry of West African cuisine and serves as a guide for those seeking to immerse themselves in this beloved dish.

For more information, please visit www.theartoffufu.com & www.artoffufu.com

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Continue Reading

Houston

Video: Omambala Cultural Association in Houston Celebrates Motherhood with Joyous Igbo-Inspired Mother’s Day Event

Published

4 months ago

on

May 11, 2025

By

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Continue Reading

Houston

Omambala Association in Houston Celebrates Motherhood with Joyous Mother’s Day Event

Published

4 months ago

on

May 11, 2025

By

HOUSTON, TEXAS – May 5, 2025 — The Omambala Cultural Association in Houston hosted a vibrant and heartfelt Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday evening at the Igbo Catholic Community Hall on Creekbend. The event brought together families and community members to honor the enduring strength, love, and sacrifices of mothers within the Igbo community.

Led by the association’s president, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland, the gathering featured prayers, cultural music, dance, and speeches dedicated to celebrating motherhood. Awkuzu described the event as a moment of reflection and appreciation for mothers, emphasizing their central role in shaping families and preserving cultural values.

The association’s president, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland, addressing the group.

 

Celebrants celebrate at the Omambala Cultural Association’s Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday evening at the Igbo Catholic Community Hall in Houston.

 

Celebrants

“Mothers are the heartbeat of our homes and the foundation of our culture,” Awkuzu said, urging attendees to honor and support mothers every day, not just on special occasions.

The celebration included lively performances of traditional Igbo music and dance, homemade meals prepared by members, and the presentation of thoughtful gifts to each mother in attendance. Vice President Chief Ugochukwu Chukwuka, known as Omemma Igbo, also delivered remarks, recognizing the vital role of mothers in nurturing future generations.

Photo from left_ Vice President of the group, Chief Ugochukwu Chukwuka – Omemma Igbo, and the President, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland.

The evening was filled with laughter, music, and shared memories, reinforcing the communal spirit that defines the Omambala Cultural Association. Elders and youth alike participated in storytelling sessions and interactive cultural activities, creating a multigenerational experience that underscored the importance of preserving Igbo heritage. Several attendees expressed appreciation for the sense of belonging and cultural pride the event fostered.

The Omambala Cultural Association Inc. is a community-based organization representing people from the Old Anambra Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria. It remains committed to promoting cultural education, unity, and socio-economic development for Igbo people in the diaspora and beyond.

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Continue Reading

Trending