The FG reaffirms the commitment to improve eye health in Nigeria

The FG reaffirms the commitment to improve eye health in Nigeria

Abuja (basic reporter) The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Health and Social Wellness has reaffirmed its dedication to improving the results of eye health in Nigeria through strengthened leadership, solid partnership and inclusive collaboration in all sectors of the country.

This was contained in a key speech held by Dr. Paul Ndadom, director of the Department of Public Health Federal Ministry of Health and Social Wellness at the 4th National meeting of coordination of the health of the eyes held on Tuesday in Abuja.

In his speech entitled “to strengthen leadership, strategic collaboration, partnership and progress towards the best results of eye health in Nigeria”, Dr. Ntod underlined the fundamental role of visionary leadership in guiding fair access to eye care throughout Nigeria.

“Leadership does not only concern the position, it is a vision, action and impact,” he said. “Strong and collaborative leadership is essential to develop effective policies, mobilize resources and integrate eye care into the wider health system, ensuring that no one is left behind.”

Dr. Ntod stressed the need for a multisectoral collaboration involving government bodies, non -governmental organizations (NGOs), health workers, private entities and communities. He invited the interested parties to strengthen partnerships, share knowledge and innovate together in order to resize progress and sustainability in delivery of eye health.

“We must measure progress based on the results, with greater access to quality services in underground areas, through the implementation of data -based policies and the empowerment of the communities,” he added.

In his welcome address, dr. Okolo Oteri, director and national coordinator of the National Eye Health Program (Nehp), officially opened the meeting and welcomed representatives of all 36 states, international partners, desk officers and civil society organizations.

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s mission to provide eye assistance services and centered on the patient who are accessible during the life course of an individual.

“This platform is not just a meeting, it is a movement,” said dr. Oteri. “Together, we are modeling the future of the ecosystem of the health of the eyes of Nigeria.”

“Our goal is on the people of Nigeria, we will continue to drive, partners and innovate until every citizen regardless of the position or vehicles has access to the care of quality eyes”. Oteri added.

The event aroused praise from international partners, including Sightsavers, a long -standing ally of Nigeria in the prevention of blindness.

Dr. Joshua Ibenu, speaking on behalf of the national director of Sightsavers, said that the organization has collaborated with Nigeria for over seven decades, starting from the efforts to eliminate the blindness of the river and expand in larger eye care initiatives in different states.

“Let’s imagine a world in which nobody is blind from preventable causes,” said dr. Ibenu. “This coordination meeting provides visibility and momentum to the cause of eye health. It is encouraging to see national and state actors who join to share the best practices and build a united front.”

He noticed the growing integration of the ear and other sensorial health in eye health planning and asked for greater implementation of national policies at state level. Dr. Ibenu also praised the will of the federal government to include the interested parties of the private sector in the health initiatives.

“We are witnessing a significant level of inclusion and efforts from the national eye health program. There is always room for improvement, but the foundation is strong and the collaboration is deepening,” he observed.

Practical testimonies emerged from the states; According to dr. Sam Bodawa, an officer for the health of eyes in the state of Gombe, who shared transformative progress since he collaborated with the National Eye Health Program.

“Before Nehp’s intervention, the eye care was almost non -existent. Now, we trained 231 primary health workers in 77 structures, making the basic services accessible also in remote villages,” said dr. Bodawa.

He noticed the success of the training programs of retinopathy and diabetic glaucoma and the distribution of over 31,000 reading glasses through the “Jiggy Bola” initiative, which has restored close to the vision for thousands of adults of age equal to or over 40 years.