World Sight Day: Nigeria Pledges to Combat Childhood Vision Impairment

In a heartfelt commitment to improving eye health among children, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Professor Muhammad Ali Pate has emphasized that “millions of children worldwide suffer from untreated vision conditions, hindering their education and future potential.”

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The event, held under the theme “Love Your Eyes Kids,” took place in Abuja, the nations capital is aimed to raise awareness about the importance of eye health in children’s development.
Prof. Pate highlighted the crucial role of vision, stating, “Every child deserves to see the world with clarity and precision.” His remarks underscored the necessity of addressing vision impairment as a key element of child welfare.

The Director, Special Projects Dr. Charles Nzelu, representing Pate at the meeting, reiterated the government’s dedication to enhancing eye care services.

He noted, “Our collective action is necessary to improve awareness and advocacy and expand access to comprehensive eye care.” Nzelu emphasized the integration of Primary Eye Care into Primary Health Care as essential for ensuring that eye care services reach the grassroots level, especially for children.

“Part of the government’s initiative includes the Effective Spectacular Coverage Initiative Nigeria (ESCIN) Jigibola 2.0, which aims to improve access to vision care nationwide”. He said.

Prof. Pate called on parents, caregivers, and teachers to participate in these initiatives, noting that “at least 450 million children have a sight condition that needs treatment, with 90 million living with some form of vision loss.”

A representative from Christoffel Blinden Mission (CBM) International, Angela Ujah expressed her support for the government’s efforts. “It is gratifying to know that efforts are being made to provide much-needed information on eye health,” she stated, highlighting the importance of making eye care services accessible and affordable for all Nigerian children.

The Permanent Secretary, FMoH/SW Kachallom Daju, represented by Dr. Oteri Okolo Eme, the National Coordinator for the Eye Health Programme, acknowledged the significance of World Sight Day.

She said, “This day serves as a powerful platform to spotlight the challenges surrounding eye health and to galvanize our efforts toward effective solutions.”

Daju emphasized the poignant reminder of the vital role vision plays in children’s lives, stating, “Many children in Nigeria continue to suffer from preventable vision impairment due to lack of awareness and access to essential eye care services.” She called for collaborative efforts to address these challenges.

The event also sought to align Nigeria’s eye health initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which focus on quality education, poverty eradication, and enhanced health and well-being. Pate stressed the interconnectedness of eye health with these broader goals.

As Nigeria joins the global community in observing World Sight Day, the commitment to improving childhood eye health remains a top priority.

The hope is that through awareness, advocacy, and integrated health services, the country can significantly reduce vision impairment among its youth and unlock their potential for a brighter future.