Nigeria has secured about N25bn in funding for a major eye health intervention following the launch of the SightQuest Nigeria programme by Christian Blind Mission International in Abuja. The initiative is a 10 year national programme aimed at reducing avoidable blindness and visual impairment while strengthening disability inclusive health systems across the country.
The Chief Executive Officer of CBM Dr Rainer Brockhans said the programme represents a significant expansion of the organisation long standing partnership with Nigeria. He disclosed that CBM has committed 15 million euros which is nearly N25bn to support the programme over the next decade. According to him CBM has worked in Nigeria since 1968 and continues to collaborate with governments at different levels to improve inclusive health care delivery.
Brockhans explained that SightQuest Nigeria is designed as an integrated initiative focused on long term impact rather than a short term project. The programme will expand access to cataract surgery and refractive error services integrate primary eye care into existing health systems and prioritise underserved populations including women children persons with disabilities and rural communities.
He added that the funding will complement CBM ongoing work in community based inclusive development while efforts are underway to attract additional donors including local supporters. The programme will initially operate in Bauchi Imo Jigawa Plateau and Oyo states with plans to expand to nine more states.
Representing the Senate President the Chairman Senate Committee on Health Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo described the initiative as vital to human dignity national inclusion and development. The Minister of State for Health Dr Iziaq Salako also highlighted the economic burden of vision loss and reaffirmed the federal government commitment to preventing avoidable blindness.
According to CBM the programme will run from 2026 to 2035 and aims to significantly increase effective cataract surgical coverage and access to eye care services nationwide.
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