SARMAAN: Forgotten Communities, Fresh Hope As Health Teams Reach Underserved Children

In the mass drug administration (MDA) of azithromycin to under five year old children in Nigeria, there are superheros who don’t wear capes but without them, the chain that means success in the SARMAAN would be broken. The Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance of Mass Administration of Azithromycin in Nigeria is an intervention that seeks to […]

In the mass drug administration (MDA) of azithromycin to under five year old children in Nigeria, there are superheros who don’t wear capes but without them, the chain that means success in the SARMAAN would be broken. The Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance of Mass Administration of Azithromycin in Nigeria is an intervention that seeks to see the rate of under-five aged child mortality in Nigeria drastically reduced. Led by the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and other partners including Sightsavers, Malaria Consortium, AFENET, MITOSATH, eHA and SCIDaR.

Health workers function in different capacities in the mass administration of azithromycin and they range from high level researchers to the grassroot distributors. Some are local volunteers who are trained to distribute medicine, collect health data and samples for research. Others are technical assistants who manage digital data systems and supply chains, then there are some who manage logistics. They all have one thing in common though, and that is the singular interest in saving children’s lives and to see the end of child mortality in Nigeria.

Haruna Adamu, who worked as an Enumerator for SARMAAN 1 and is currently a Data collector for SARMAAN 2 got to know about the intervention through his community leader. His passion for child health drives him in his contribution to the MDA.

“I decided to join the SARMAAN MDA because I am passionate about improving child health and supporting initiatives that save lives at the grassroots level. SARMAAN’s focus on prevention, early intervention, and community engagement aligned with my personal values and my desire to make a direct impact in my community.”

This is a sentiment also echoed by Fedrick Linus, who worked as a data collector for Dutse Local Government, in Jigawa State.

“ I chose to become a health worker because I have a passion for healthcare and it directly impacts the society on a larger scale. I got to know about the SARMAAN Project through my Head of Department in Federal University Dutse who has been part of the project. I decided the project because it presents opportunities for direct impacts for the underserved in the community.”

One fact that is easily missed about the SARMAAN MDA is that it isn’t just about the medicine but the people, the community and the collective efforts on the part of the givers and the receivers. This is a level of exchange holding the greater good for humanity at its core. The reason for this is not far-fetched because when it’s about saving the lives of children, this should be a collective purpose.

“The most impactful moment for me was seeing caregivers willingly bring their children forward after understanding the importance of the intervention. Knowing that our work could prevent illness and potentially save a child’s life made the experience deeply meaningful. I was surprised by the level of trust and appreciation shown by community members. Despite initial hesitation in some areas, many caregivers became very supportive once they received clear information, which showed the power of proper health education.”

Beyond the sense of purpose that accompanies being a health worker for SARMAAN, participating in the MDA is also an avenue to learn and discover real life people and stories beyond the numbers the data statistics often carry. This for the health workers constitutes a lens into communities sometimes forgotten, as seen in the case of Frederick.

“The most impactful moment was when we visited a village during SARMAAN MDA in 2024. A village I never knew existed in Dutse. It’s called Sakwaya. Along Dutse-Kano road. The people seemed forgotten but were so happy seeing the team. A constant surprise has always been the mapping of the communities. It proved that the project is really meant for the unreached and highly underserved communities.”

Similarly, health workers are the points of contact with primary care givers of children, they form connections that would prove beneficial in properly educating families and communities on the importance of the SARMAAN intervention. Adamu highlighted this part of the work as the most impactful for him.

“Seeing caregivers willingly bring their children forward after understanding the importance of the intervention. Knowing that our work could prevent illness and potentially save a child’s life made the experience deeply meaningful. I was surprised by the level of trust and appreciation shown by community members. Despite initial hesitation in some areas, many caregivers became very supportive once they received clear information, which showed the power of proper health education.”

Ultimately, this awareness forms the foundation of the success of SARMAAN as the intervention encompasses not just the mass drug administration but also the challenging fight against misinformation and fearful narratives around azithromycin. For Adamu, the progress of these interventions would probably be further along if more people were aware of the benefits and ultimate goal of the project.

“I wish more people knew that SARMAAN is not just a short-term campaign but a life-saving intervention that reaches vulnerable children who might otherwise be missed. The project strengthens community health awareness, prevents common childhood illnesses, and plays a critical role in reducing child mortality through timely and accessible care.”

As the second iteration phase for SARMAAN MDA continues, health workers are again heading to different communities with their bags, tools and heart. Their earnest devotion to see more children live healthy, fulfilling lives in the future remains a potent weapon in SARMAAN’s arsenal against child mortality. The second phase is being executed in 11 states in Northern Nigeria including Kaduna, Bauchi, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Jigawa, Adamawa, Yobe, Gombe and Zamfara.