The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its drive to improve eye health outcomes through increased sectoral collaborative efforts and robust partnerships in the country.
Highlighting the foundational role of visionary leadership in driving equitable access to eye care across Nigeria, Director of Public Health Department of the country’s Health Ministry, Dr. Paul Ntadom, at the 4th National Eye Health Coordination Meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja, said leadership entails vision, action, and impact, adding that collaboratively, it is essential to develop effective policies, mobilize resources, and integrate eye care into the broader health system for all.
A press release issued by the Ministry had Dr. Ntadom emphasizing the need for multi-sectoral collaboration involving government bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), healthcare providers, private entities, and communities.
He called on stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, share knowledge, and innovate together in order to scale progress and sustainability in eye health delivery.
“We must measure progress by outcomes, by the increased access to quality services in underserved areas, by the implementation of data-driven policies, and by the empowerment of communities”, he stated.
Dr. Okolo Oteri, Director and National Coordinator of the National Eye Health Programme (NEHP), officially opened the meeting and welcomed representatives from all 36 states, international partners, desk officers, and civil society organisations.
She reaffirmed the ministry’s mission to deliver integrated, patient-centered eye care services that are accessible throughout an individual’s life course.
“This platform is not just a meeting, it is a movement. Together, we are shaping the future of Nigeria’s eye health ecosystem.
“Our focus is on the people of Nigeria, we will continue to lead, partner, and innovate until every citizen regardless of location or means has access to quality eye care”, Dr. Oteri added.
The event drew commendations from international partners, including Sightsavers, a long-time ally of Nigeria in the prevention of blindness.
Dr. Joshua Ibenu, speaking on behalf of the Country Director of Sightsavers, said the organization has partnered with Nigeria for over seven decades, starting with efforts to eliminate river blindness and expanding into broader eye care initiatives across several states.
“We envision a world where no one is blind from preventable causes,” Dr. Ibenu revealed.
“This coordination meeting provides visibility and momentum to the cause of eye health. It is encouraging to see national and state-level actors coming together to share best practices and build a united front” he added.
He also noted the growing integration of ear and other sensory health into eye health planning and called for stronger implementation of national policies at the state level.
He commended the Nigerian government’s willingness to include private sector stakeholders in eye health initiatives. “We’re seeing a significant level of inclusion and effort from the National Eye Health Programme. There is always room for improvement, but the foundation is strong, and collaboration is deepening,” he remarked.
From the states, practical testimonies emerged; according to Dr. Sam Bodawa, Desk Officer for Eye Health in Gombe State, who shared transformative progress since partnering with the National Eye Health Programme.
“Before NEHP’s intervention, eye care in Gombe was nearly non-existent. Now, we’ve trained 231 primary healthcare workers in 77 facilities, making basic eye services accessible even in remote villages,” Dr. Bodawa said.