Sightsavers Nigeria, has marked the conclusion of its Kogi Eye Care Project which coincides with the international Cataract Awareness Month.
Sightsavers’ collaborative five-year Eye Care Project with the Kogi State ministry of health has significantly improved access to eye health services and cataract surgeries for residents of Kogi State, a region ranking among the worst affected by cataract.
The collaboration which ran from June 2019 to June 2024 and saw the refurbishment of three state government hospitals, with some 453 eye health workers trained with over 1,299 cataract surgeries performed.
Cataract, the leading cause of blindness globally is rampart in low-income regions, and in Nigeria, an estimated 1 million people are affected.
Sightsavers Nigeria has been at the forefront of addressing this critical health issue, and the Kogi Eye Care Project has immensely benefited the local communities.
Commenting on the project’s impact, Dr. Joy Shu’aibu, Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria, stated, “the Kogi Eye Care Project is a testament to what can be achieved through dedication and collaboration. We are proud of the impact we’ve made in reducing cataract-related blindness and improving the quality of life for many individuals in Kogi State. As we conclude this project, our commitment to combating eye health issues remains unwavering.”
Mr. Daikwo Ali, a beneficiary of cataract surgery, shared that “I had lost all hope of seeing again and returning to the lecture hall to teach students, until Sightsavers came to our community. The surgery restored sight to both my eyes in two years, and with it, my ability to work and support my family. I am forever grateful.”
In his appraisal of the project’s success, Sightsavers’ Senior Program manager, Eye health, Dr Selben Penzin remarked:
“We are thrilled to have made a tangible impact on the lives of the people of Kogi State through our Kogi Eye Care Project. By increasing access to eye health services and providing free cataract surgeries, we have been able to restore sight and improve the quality of life for thousands of individuals in the state.”
Meanwhile, as the curtain draws on the international Cataract Awareness Month, Sightsavers Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to continuing efforts targeted at addressing cataract-related blindness in Nigeria.
“We will continue to work closely with the government and other stakeholders to expand access to eye care services and ensure that no one is left behind”, the organization said in a press release made available to BONews.
The Kogi eye health project was funded by Sightsavers and Peoples Postcode Lottery. The project trained experts in eye health and integrated eye care services into regional health systems to ensure sustainable delivery of eye health services in the state. Its success will form the foundations of a lasting eye health care in the region.