FG aims for 25,000 free cataract surgeries and expands eye care to millions

Nigeria aims for 25,000 free cataract surgeries, expands eye care to millions

From our journalist

Abuja (Core Reporters)-The federal government of Nigerien has set a target to provide 25,000 free cataract surgeries across Nigeria by the end of 2027 as part of efforts to reduce avoidable blindness and expand access to quality eye care.

This was revealed by the Deputy Minister for Health and Social Security, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, during the commemoration of World Sight Day 2026, with the theme “Love Your Eyes”, with the national sub-theme “Protect Your Sight, See Clearly, Live Fully”.

Salako, represented by the Director of the E-Health Division, Dr. Doris Afam Aneke, said the Federal Government considers eye health to be a public health and development priority due to its impact on education, productivity, personal independence and quality of life.

He highlighted key interventions by the federal government and its partners, including the training of more than 3,000 health workers in 16 states and the activation of more than 1,400 primary health centers to provide primary eye care services.

The minister further revealed that more than 1.5 million pairs of reading glasses have been distributed across the 16 states under the Effective Spectacle Coverage Initiative Nigeria (ESCIN), also known as Jajibola 2.0.

According to him, preparations are underway to extend the initiative to 10 more states.

He added that more than 1.5 million school children have been screened for vision problems through the school-based eye health programme, while four more vision centers have been established in secondary health facilities in Enugu, Edo, Sokoto and Nasarawa states.

Salako said the interventions were designed to strengthen continuity of eye care, improve referral pathways and ensure Nigerians can access appropriate services closer to their communities.

“Eye health is not an isolated intervention; it is an integral part of a resilient health system and a critical component of our journey to universal health coverage.

“No child should be prevented from learning because of an undiagnosed vision problem, and no Nigerian should live with avoidable blindness simply because treatment is out of reach,” he said.

The minister further explained that the planned 25,000 free cataract surgeries will be implemented under the Renewed Hope Health Connect initiative to restore sight, independence and productivity to thousands of Nigerians.

He described cataracts as one of the leading causes of avoidable blindness in the country and assured Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will continue to work with state governments, development partners, professional associations and the private sector to expand equitable access to quality eye care.

Salako also highlighted Nigeria’s role in advancing global eye health, including its co-organisation of the first Global Eye Health Summit, scheduled for November 2 in Antigua and Barbuda.

He said the summit will provide an opportunity to promote the integration of eye health into universal health coverage and strengthen Nigeria’s contribution to global health diplomacy.

The minister urged Nigerians to take personal and collective responsibility to protect their eyesight through regular eye exams, timely presentation for treatment and healthy practices that help preserve eyesight.

“When people see clearly, they can learn better, work better, contribute more, and live fuller lives. This is the vision to which the federal government remains firmly committed.

“Together, let us continue to love our eyes, protect our sight, see clearly and live fully,” he said.

Nigeria sees progress in eye health policy

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom Sò., represented by Dr. Oteri Okolo, said eye health remains fundamental to human dignity, educational attainment, economic productivity and individual independence.

He stressed that protecting the eyesight of Nigerians is critical to national development.

According to her, the eye health sector in Nigeria has seen significant progress over the past decade through improved policy coordination, multi-sectoral collaboration and strategic partnerships.

She cited the development and dissemination of the country’s first comprehensive national eye health policy, which she said has been ratified by all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He also highlighted the National Strategic Plan for Eye Health 2024-2028 and the establishment of eye health coordination structures at the national and state levels as important steps towards improving service delivery.

The Permanent Secretary commended professional bodies, development partners and implementing organizations for their continued contribution to strengthening eye care services across the country.

Partners seek inclusive and affordable eye care

Meanwhile, development partners called for greater investment in the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, as well as in rehabilitation and accessible eye health services for vulnerable and disadvantaged populations.

Partners, including the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Sightsavers Nigeria, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), CBM International, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, Peek Vision and Helen Keller International, reaffirmed their commitment to expanding access to accessible and inclusive eye care.

NCPWD Executive Secretary, Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan, stressed the need to place persons with disabilities at the center of eye health policies and interventions.

It noted that inaccessible health facilities, communication barriers and inadequate consideration of the specific needs of persons with disabilities continue to limit their access to essential health services.

Similarly, Sightsavers Nigeria, CBM International and Helen Keller International urged stakeholders to ensure that eye care services are equitable and accessible to all, especially children, women, persons with disabilities and disadvantaged communities.

The Clinton Health Access Initiative has highlighted the importance of integrating eye care into the primary healthcare system.

It highlighted its collaboration with the National Eye, Ear and Sensory Health Program to bring basic eye care services closer to communities and expand access to reading glasses.

Peek Vision highlighted the role of technology, screening and reliable data in connecting people to appropriate eye care services, while the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation called for sustainable partnerships, innovation and a lifelong approach to vision care.

The partners commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National Eye, Ear and Sensory Health Program for their leadership in promoting eye health in Nigeria.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing collaboration to improve access to affordable, inclusive and quality eye care nationwide.