Esther Salifu
In a major breakthrough for child health in Nigeria, the SARMAAN Project has successfully administered azithromycin to more than 36,000 children in Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, marking a critical milestone in the fight against infant mortality.
The initiative, led by global health NGO Sightsavers and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to reduce deaths among children aged 1 to 11 months by administering the antibiotic drug azithromycin under close medical supervision. The pilot phase, which ran from 2022 to 2024, also evaluated the safety and antimicrobial resistance of the medicine.
Speaking during the project’s close-out event in Uyo on Friday, Dr. Teyil Wamiyel-Mshella, Project Coordinator for SARMAAN, described the results as encouraging. “We were able to reach over 36,000 children and engage caregivers across Ikono LGA, raising awareness about the importance of this life-saving intervention,” she said.
Azithromycin, an antibiotic widely used to treat bacterial infections in children, has shown promise in reducing child mortality when administered biannually. The World Health Organization has previously highlighted its potential in community-wide child survival strategies, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Wamiyel-Mshella emphasized that the drug was distributed under strict monitoring conditions to assess both its effectiveness and any signs of antimicrobial resistance. “Our goal was not just to administer medication but to ensure it was done safely and responsibly,” she added.
The pilot’s success has drawn praise from state health officials. Representing the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Etop Antia, Director of Public Health, said the SARMAAN project complements ongoing child survival efforts in the state. “This initiative demonstrates what is possible when we combine routine immunization with strategic, evidence-based interventions,” he said.
The intervention was integrated into existing health systems through the state’s Routine Immunization Programme, with infants receiving doses every six months over two years.
Dr. Eno Attah, Executive Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Primary Health Care Development Agency, commended the Federal Ministry of Health for selecting Akwa Ibom as a pilot state. “Children are among the most vulnerable in our population, and this project brings much-needed hope,” she said, in remarks delivered by Mrs. Margaret Etim, Director of Health Education and Promotion.
Local leaders and community members hailed the commitment of health workers who reached even the most remote areas to ensure no child was left behind. Hon. Emem Joseph Uwah, a stakeholder in Ikono, praised the team’s dedication. “They crossed creeks, navigated riverine areas, and ensured our children received the care they needed. We’ve already seen improvement in our communities,” he said.
stakeholders are calling for a scale-up of the intervention across more local government areas to close the gap in child mortality rates and strengthen community health outcomes.
