By Chioma Onuegbu, Uyo

No fewer than 36,000 children have received Azithromycin treatment under the pilot phase of the SARMAAN Project aimed at improving child survival rates in Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Project Coordinator, Dr. Teyil Wamiyel-Mshella, disclosed this during the closeout ceremony of the Safety and Anti-microbial Resistance of Mass Administration of Azithromycin to Children Aged 1–11 Months held in Uyo.

Dr. Wamiyel-Mshella described the project as a significant achievement in reducing child mortality, noting that it was introduced in Nigeria in 2020 under the international organization Sightsavers.

“The SARMAAN Project was designed to ensure that children between 1–11 months in the pilot LGA receive Azithromycin while monitoring its safety and anti-microbial resistance. Azithromycin is a powerful antibiotic used to treat infections contributing to child deaths between 0 and 5 years,” she explained.

According to her, over 36,000 children have been treated in Ikono, with caregivers actively engaged to understand the benefits of the medication. She expressed satisfaction with the project’s acceptance in the community and called on the state government to adopt the initiative to close the infant mortality gap.

Representing the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Etop Antia, Director of Public Health, applauded the stakeholders for their commitment. He acknowledged the support of Ikono LGA leaders and stated that the SARMAAN Project complemented existing child survival interventions.

“In Akwa Ibom, the project was executed alongside Routine Immunization, with infants aged 1–11 months receiving Azithromycin every six months for two years, from 2022 to 2024,” Dr. Antia stated. He added that the project was a collaborative effort led by the Department of Family Health, Federal Ministry of Health, and funded by the Gates Foundation, with implementation by Sightsavers.

Dr. (Mrs.) Eno Attah, Executive Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Primary Health Care Development Agency, represented by Mrs. Margaret Etim, praised the initiative, highlighting its focus on vulnerable children. She expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Health for selecting Akwa Ibom for the pilot phase.

A community stakeholder, Hon. Emem Joseph Uwah, lauded the project’s impact in Ikono, commending the dedication of health officials who navigated difficult terrains to deliver the treatment.

“We have seen improvements in the health of our children. I appreciate WHO, the federal, and state governments for choosing our LGA for this life-saving project,” Uwah said.