In a bid to combat the widespread of cataract-induced vision impairment in Nigeria, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Foundation has launched a free cataract screening and surgery programme in Bayelsa State.
The initiative, which began on Monday, aims to restore sight to over 1,000 individuals in the state and is part of a broader effort to address avoidable blindness across the country.
The programme was conducted simultaneously at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Yenagoa and the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri in the Yenagoa Local Government Area.
Over 1,000 people have already been screened as part of the programme, with many more expected to benefit from the initiative.
Persecondnews reports that cataracts are a leading cause of blindness in Nigeria, accounting for nearly 50% of cases in people aged 40 and above. According to the World Health Organization, twice as many women are cataract blind as men.
The NNPC Foundation recognizes the importance of sight and is committed to providing free cataract screenings, surgeries, and public education on eye health.
“We recognize that sight is not just a sense but a fundamental pillar of human dignity and opportunity,” said Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation.
“Through this initiative, we aim to provide free cataract screenings, surgeries, and public education on eye health. Our goal is to help restore sight to 6,000 individuals across Nigeria.”
According to Arukwe, the programme has already made a significant impact, with many beneficiaries expressing gratitude for the initiative.
“His Highness Opokunu, a 60-year-old man who had been living with cataracts for two years, described the programme as a lifeline for those who cannot afford cataract treatment.”
“Cataract surgeries in public hospitals typically cost between N100,000 and N150,000, while private health centers charge upwards of N300,000,” said Dr. James Omietimi, Chief Medical Director of FMC Yenagoa.
“This programme is a significant step towards addressing the scourge of cataracts in Nigeria.”
The NNPC Foundation’s initiative is part of a broader effort to address healthcare challenges in Nigeria.
The foundation has also launched other healthcare programs, including eye screenings for glaucoma in Abuja, free cancer screenings and counseling, and medical outreach programmes for the treatment of non-communicable diseases.
The programme will be replicated across the six geopolitical zones of the country, with 1,000 beneficiaries in each zone.
The NNPC Foundation is committed to creating sustainable, far-reaching initiatives that align with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.
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