Major investment to boost eye care and economic growth in Nigeria
Nigeria has secured about N25bn in funding for a decade-long eye health intervention through the launch of the SightQuest Nigeria programme by Christian Blind Mission International. The initiative aims to reduce avoidable blindness and visual impairment by strengthening inclusive health systems. Key figures such as Dr Rainer Brockhans, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, and Dr Iziaq Salako highlighted the programme’s significance for public health and economic development. The programme is described as a transformative step towards restoring sight, dignity, and opportunity to millions of Nigerians.
TLDR
- The SightQuest Nigeria programme is a 10-year national initiative with about N25bn in funding to reduce avoidable blindness and visual impairment.
- Christian Blind Mission International leads the programme, focusing on expanding cataract surgery, refractive error services, and integrating primary eye care into health systems.
- The initiative will initially cover Bauchi, Imo, Jigawa, Plateau, and Oyo states, with plans to expand to nine more states.
- By 2035, the programme aims for a 30-percentage-point increase in effective cataract surgical coverage in 10 states, with half reaching the target by 2030.
- The programme emphasizes inclusion, targeting underserved groups and collaborating with government and professional bodies.
