FG Strengthens Eye Health Services, Targets 25,000 Free Cataract Surgeries by 2027
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has announced plans to provide 25,000 free cataract surgeries across Nigeria by the end of 2027, alongside expanded primary eye care services, as part of efforts to reduce avoidable blindness and improve access to affordable eye treatment nationwide.
The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, during the commemoration of World Sight Day 2026 in Abuja on October 8. The development was contained in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations.
Speaking through the Director of the E-Health Division, Dr. Doris Afam Aneke, mni, Salako said the government regarded eye health as both a public health and development priority because of its implications for education, productivity, personal independence and quality of life.
The minister disclosed that the government and its partners had trained more than 3,000 healthcare workers across 16 states and activated over 1,400 primary healthcare centres to provide basic eye care services.
He also said more than 1.5 million pairs of reading spectacles had been distributed across the 16 states under the Effective Spectacle Coverage Initiative Nigeria (ESCIN), also known as Jajibola 2.0, with preparations underway to extend the programme to 10 additional states.
According to him, the School Eye Health Programme had screened more than 1.5 million school-age children for vision problems, while four additional vision centres were being established in secondary healthcare facilities in Enugu, Edo, Sokoto and Nasarawa states.
The facilities are expected to strengthen referral pathways and bring appropriate eye care services closer to 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 towards Universal Health Coverage,” Salako said.
“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 beyond reach,” he added.
FG Targets 25,000 Cataract Surgeries Under Renewed Hope Initiative
Salako said the planned 25,000 free cataract surgeries would be delivered under the Renewed Hope Health Connect initiative, describing the intervention as a major step towards restoring sight, independence and productivity among Nigerians affected by the condition.
He assured Nigerians that the ministry would continue to collaborate with state governments, development partners, professional associations and private-sector organisations to expand equitable access to quality eye care.
The minister also highlighted Nigeria’s growing participation in global eye health initiatives, including its co-hosting of the first-ever Global Summit for Eye Health, scheduled for November 2 in Antigua and Barbuda.
He described the summit as an opportunity to promote the integration of eye health into Universal Health Coverage and strengthen Nigeria’s contribution to global health diplomacy.
Salako urged Nigerians to take personal responsibility for protecting their sight through regular eye examinations, early treatment and healthy practices that help prevent avoidable vision loss.
“When people can see clearly, they can learn better, work better, contribute more and live fuller lives. That is the vision to which the Federal Government remains firmly committed,” he said.
FG Highlights Progress in National Eye Health Policy
In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom S., mni, represented by Dr. Oteri Okolo, described eye health as fundamental to human dignity, educational attainment, economic productivity and individual independence.
She said Nigeria had recorded progress over the past decade through stronger policy coordination, multisectoral collaboration and strategic partnerships.
Among the achievements she highlighted were the development and dissemination of Nigeria’s first Comprehensive National Eye Health Policy, ratified by all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and the National Strategic Eye Health Plan 2024–2028.
She also pointed to the establishment of national and state eye health coordination structures, while commending professional bodies, development partners and implementing organisations for supporting the expansion of eye care services.
Partners Seek Inclusive Eye Care for Vulnerable Nigerians
Development partners and disability advocates have called for increased investment in prevention, early detection, timely treatment, rehabilitation and accessible eye health services, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations.
Organisations represented at the commemoration included the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Sightsavers Nigeria, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), CBM International, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, Peek Vision and Helen Keller International.
The Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan, stressed the need to place persons with disabilities at the centre of eye health policies and interventions.
He noted that inaccessible healthcare facilities, communication barriers and inadequate consideration of individual needs continued to limit access to essential medical services.
Sightsavers Nigeria, CBM International and Helen Keller International also called for equitable and inclusive eye care, particularly for children, women, persons with disabilities and people in underserved communities.
Meanwhile, CHAI highlighted the importance of integrating eye care into the primary healthcare system, citing its collaboration with the National Eye, Ear and Sensory Functions Health Programme to expand community-level services and access to reading glasses.
Peek Vision emphasised the role of technology, screening and quality data in connecting patients to appropriate care, while OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation advocated 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 Functions Health Programme for their leadership, pledging continued collaboration to improve access to affordable, inclusive and quality eye care across Nigeria.
