Sightsavers, in partnership with the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, has begun training surgeons on hydrocele management, a common manifestation of lymphatic filariasis in Zaria.

Hydrocele is a swelling in the scrotum caused by fluid around the testicle, often painless but uncomfortable. Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by thread-like worms transmitted through repeated mosquito bites.

Nuhu Dagu, a professor of Urology, University of Jos, told journalists that the training aimed to standardise hydrocele surgery in line with World Health Organisation guidelines for improved patient outcomes.

He said although many doctors had experience with the surgery, the training would expose them to updated WHO techniques and ensure consistent, high-quality surgical results across health facilities.

Mr Dagu explained that the training covered theoretical sessions, practical work on mannequins, and live surgeries.

He described hydrocele as a fluid collection around the male testis, often caused by lymphatic filariasis, stressing that mass drug administration remained key to prevention and control.

Tabitha Kane, senior programme officer of Sightsavers in Kaduna, said the initiative supported the health system to provide WHO-approved care for neglected tropical diseases.

She said 12 surgeons were being trained, including eight from Kaduna and others from Kogi. According to her, nationally, over 100 surgeons would be trained under the programme.

Ms Kane advised men with symptoms to seek medical care early to avoid complications, including possible long-term disability.

Sani Abdullahi, mobility management officer for NTDs, said Kaduna had been partnering Sightsavers since 2019 to provide free hydrocele surgeries.

He said about 2,000 patients had benefitted since 2019, adding that eighteen local government areas were endemic for lymphatic filariasis, though only three still received preventive chemotherapy treatments.

Mr Abdullahi said the training introduced new WHO-endorsed surgical techniques. He described it as a major boost to case management and an asset for Kaduna’s health services.

Mr Abdullahi stated that Kaduna aimed to eliminate neglected tropical diseases by 2030, urging the residents in endemic communities to embrace preventive drugs during mass administration campaigns.

The official stressed that hydrocele surgeries under the programme were free for patients, ensuring access for men in need across affected local government areas .

(NAN)