Abuja, Tuesday – In an impressive milestone, Sightsavers has provided comprehensive eye care services to over 14, 000 individuals in Kogi State over the past three years. This significant achievement was disclosed by Dr. Joy Shaibu, Country Director of Sightsavers, during the close-out ceremony of the Sightsavers-supported Kogi State Eye Care Programme in Abuja.
Launched in 2018, the Kogi State Eye Care Programme faced initial challenges but has since made substantial progress. “Despite a slow start, Sightsavers has been able to achieve a lot in Kogi State in the last three years,” Dr. Shaibu noted. The close-out ceremony was not just an end but a celebration of the remarkable achievements realized through the programme.
One of the notable successes of the initiative is the formation of a state eye care committee, a collaborative effort among various eye care stakeholders. This committee is tasked with sustaining the programme’s gains and ensuring the continuity of eye care services in Kogi State.
Throughout the programme, an average of 14,000 individuals have been examined, with approximately 8,000 spectacles dispensed and about 10,000 people receiving refractive services. Life-changing cataract surgeries and other related eye surgeries have been performed, significantly improving the quality of life for many Kogi State residents.
As the project concludes, Sightsavers has developed a comprehensive eye care strategic plan for Kogi State. This plan will serve as a roadmap for future interventions, emphasizing the need for government funding and political commitment to ensure affordable eye care services for all residents. “It is our vision to see that nobody goes blind from preventable causes and that those already blind have equal access to health, employment, and education,” Dr. Shaibu emphasized.
Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, Commissioner of Health, representing the Governor of Kogi State, praised Sightsavers for their invaluable contributions to improving eye care services. He remarked, “This is not a close-out ceremony but a transition ceremony by Sightsavers. They have offered both diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to thousands of persons in Kogi State.”
Dr. Adams highlighted the training provided to health workers, nurses, and doctors, enabling them to deliver quality eye care services. Sightsavers has also facilitated free surgeries and helped doctors achieve minimum diploma certifications in ophthalmology, enhancing their capability to offer surgical services. Additionally, eye health commodities have been supplied to the state.
Sustainability is a key focus as the project transitions. Dr. Adams revealed that funds generated from services provided to some patients have been saved to support future eye care initiatives. He also emphasized the Governor’s support for the sustainability plan and announced plans for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja. The state’s health insurance scheme now includes a component for free eye health services.
Comrade Solomon Yahaya, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Kogi State, shared his personal experiences as a blind individual navigating a challenging environment. He expressed gratitude for Sightsavers’ efforts to alleviate the plight of those at risk of blindness. “Blindness is all about darkness, a troubling experience,” he said, highlighting the transformative impact of Sightsavers’ work.
Although the programme is closing, Yahaya remains hopeful for future interventions from Sightsavers. Since 2018, Sightsavers has supported the Kogi State Government in pioneering a comprehensive, accessible, affordable, and sustainable eye care programme. This initiative adopted scalable health system strengthening approaches, establishing a coordinated eye health system from primary to tertiary healthcare levels in Kogi State.
The project also demonstrated the power of advocacy in increasing government commitment and fostering strong community participation in eye health. The newly developed state eye health strategy will serve as a roadmap for sustainability and implementation in the coming years.
Sightsavers’ success in Kogi State was achieved through collaboration with numerous stakeholders, including the Kogi State Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (KSMOHSD), Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), Kogi State Ministry of Education (KSMOE), State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Kogi State Office for Disability (KOSODA), Kogi State Hospital Management Board (KSHMB), Joint National Association for Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), National Eye Health Programme (NEHP), Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja (FTHL), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and Jama’atu Nasril Islam.
This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved through dedicated efforts and collaboration, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for the people of Kogi State.
