Over 36,000 children in Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have been treated with azithromycin as part of an effort to reduce infant mortality rates in the state.
This intervention is part of the Sarmaan Project, which focuses on administering medications to improve life expectancy among children aged 1 to 11 months in Nigeria.
The Project Coordinator, Dr. Teyil Wamiyel-Mshella, made this announcement during the closeout ceremony of the safety and anti-microbial resistance phase of the mass azithromycin administration in Ikono. The project, spearheaded by Sightsavers, an international NGO, has also worked with caregivers to demonstrate the effectiveness of the drugs.
Wamiyel-Mshella explained that the pilot phase in the local government area was aimed at ensuring children within the specified age range receive the medication under strict monitoring to assess safety and the potential for antimicrobial resistance. She expressed satisfaction with the project’s acceptance in the area and urged the state government to support it to address the infant mortality gap in Akwa Ibom.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John represented by Dr. Etop Antia, Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, commended the success of the project and the collaboration of all partners involved.
The Executive Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. (Mrs.) Eno Attah also expressed her gratitude to the federal Ministry of Health for selecting Akwa Ibom for the pilot initiative. She was represented by Mrs. Margaret Etim, Director of Health Education and Promotion, and emphasized the importance of focusing on children’s health, given their vulnerability to diseases.
Emem Joseph Uwah, a stakeholder in Ikono, expressed his support for the project and praised the commitment of the officials in ensuring its success within the community.
