The Federal Government says it is targeting 25,000 free cataract surgeries across the country by the end of 2027 as part of efforts to reduce avoidable blindness and improve access to quality eye care.
The government also says it has distributed more than one point five million pairs of reading glasses to Nigerians under the Effective Spectacle Coverage Initiative Nigeria, also known as Jigibola 2.0.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, disclosed this in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2026 World Sight Day, with the theme, Love Your Eyes.
Represented by the Director of the E-Health Division, Dr. Doris Aneke, the minister described eye health as a public health and development priority, noting that poor vision affects education, productivity and overall quality of life.
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Other speakers called for increased investment in inclusive and accessible eye care, particularly for persons with disabilities.
The stakeholders called for sustained investment and stronger collaboration to ensure that all Nigerians, regardless of their circumstances, can access quality eye care and live healthier, more productive lives.
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(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
