About 50 persons from Abaji and Kwali Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Friday benefited from free hydrocele surgeries organised by the FCT Administration.

The intervention was supported by Christian Blind Mission (CBM) and Health and Human Development Support (HANDS).

The hydrocele surgeries, which took place at Kubwa General Hospital, aimed to relieve affected men of the discomfort caused by an enlarged scrotum and to reduce societal stigma associated with the condition.

Director of the Disease Control Division at the FCT Public Health Department, Dr Daniel Gadzama, said that the department was working tirelessly to ensure better healthcare for FCT residents.

Represented by Dr Ngozi Ebesiki, Head of the Department, Mr Gadzama added that efforts were ongoing to raise awareness about neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and to encourage the public to take proactive steps for better health.

He said, “We are here to inaugurate free surgeries for hydrocele patients. In doing this, we have collaborators, donors, and development partners such as HANDS and CBM supporting us to address NTDs and alleviate the plight of vulnerable persons.’’

He noted that IHS, a telecommunications company, supported the first round of mass drug administration in 2024 and returned in 2025 to support the second phase of the initiative.

He added, “After training, healthcare workers were deployed to communities for active case searches. They screened and treated about 197 patients, with 65 confirmed cases of hydrocele. Today, IHS Towers has offered to pay for surgeries for 50 of the patients.’’

The FCT State Coordinator for NTDs, Lami Ndayako, said that the programme was aimed at bringing relief and restoring dignity to people living with hydrocele.

She commended the support of donors and the management of Kubwa General Hospital for conducting the surgeries.

The FCT Representative of HANDS, Achai Ijah, stated that 50 patients were captured in the first phase of the surgery, with plans to include an additional 80 patients in the second phase.

He affirmed that HANDS would continue to collaborate with the NTD unit of the FCT Public Health Department to eliminate NTDs, particularly in the FCT.

Ms Ijah also highlighted that CBM and HANDS provided funding and support through advocacy, community mobilisation, and sensitisation to improve the quality of life for beneficiaries.

Also, Samuel Omoi, Country Director of CBM, represented by Programme Manager Maryanne Mannok, explained that hydrocele is caused by mosquito bites and manifested as swelling in the scrotum, a condition that could be corrected through surgery.

He urged the public to support individuals affected by hydrocele and avoid stigmatising them, noting that the condition was treatable.

Speaking to some of the beneficiaries, Mr Omoi appreciated the sponsors for bringing relief to individuals who had suffered long-term discomfort and societal rejection.

(NAN)