In commemoration of World Sight Day 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria has restated its commitment to tackling preventable blindness and improving nationwide access to quality eye care services.
Speaking at an event in Abuja, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Isiaq Salako, said Nigeria is implementing several strategic initiatives to reduce the prevalence of blindness, which currently affects 0.78% of the population.
Dr. Salako, represented by Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh, Director of Hospital Services, emphasized that a staggering 84% of blindness cases in Nigeria are preventable with early diagnosis, proper treatment, and increased public awareness.
“Good vision is vital for productivity and national development. By loving our eyes and making eye care accessible to all, we are building a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow,” Dr. Salako stated.
Government Strategies to Curb Preventable Blindness in Nigeria
To improve access to eye health, especially in underserved areas, the Federal Government has rolled out key policies and programs, including the National Eye Health Policy (2019), Eye Health Strategic Development Plan (2023–2027), which integrates Primary Eye Care (PEC) into the broader Primary Health Care (PHC) system, the Presidential Effective Spectacle Coverage Initiative Nigeria (ESCIN), also known as Jigibola 2.0, aimed at providing free reading glasses to millions of Nigerians across 15 states and training of 12 master trainers across all geopolitical zones to enhance the capacity of healthcare workers in delivering community-based eye care.
Call for Greater Investment in Eye Health
Mr. Mustapha Njie, Head of Africa at the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, echoed the need for stronger public-private partnerships to tackle avoidable vision problems, particularly in rural communities.
“Millions suffer from avoidable vision problems that could easily be prevented or treated. We need stronger partnerships between governments and development partners,” Njie said.
Development Partners Rally Behind National Eye Health Agenda
Other stakeholders, including Dr. Okolo Oteri, National Coordinator of the National Eye and Sensory Health Programme, highlighted the need for universal access to affordable and inclusive eye care in Nigeria.
International development partners such as Sightsavers, CHIA, and the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation reaffirmed their support for the Nigerian government’s goal of strengthening the nation’s eye health infrastructure and delivering sustainable eye care at the grassroots level.
