Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Fighting Glaucoma, Targets Improved Eye Health Services

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling glaucoma and other vision-related conditions as it joins the global community to mark the 2025 World Glaucoma Week (WGW).

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Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Honorable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, represented by the Director of Port Health Division, Dr. Michael Akpan, emphasized the need for increased public awareness and regular eye check-ups to prevent irreversible blindness caused by glaucoma.

“The theme for this year’s commemoration, “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World; See the Future Clearly,” underscores the collective responsibility of stakeholders in preventing vision loss”. He said.

Dr. Akpan described glaucoma as a “silent thief of sight” that develops gradually and is often asymptomatic until significant vision loss occurs.

He highlighted that the disease remains the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, with Nigeria being significantly affected. Citing past surveys, he noted that glaucoma accounted for 16.7% of blindness cases in the country.

“To address these concerns, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has implemented various interventions, including the National Glaucoma Screening and Treatment Guidelines, which provide a standardized framework for early detection and management. Last year, ophthalmologists across all states were trained on these guidelines, and a review meeting was held in January 2025 to assess progress and address implementation challenges”. He added.

“The Ministry has also intensified its Effective Spectacle Coverage Initiative Nigeria (ESCIN), also known as JigiBola 2.0, aimed at distributing five million free reading glasses over the next three years. Since its launch in 2023, over 100,000 Nigerians have been screened, and more than 80,000 spectacles have been distributed. Additionally, three states have benefited from the establishment of vision centers to provide affordable eye care services”. He said.

As part of its broader strategy, the government has integrated Primary Eye Care (PEC) into the Primary Health Care (PHC) system in 15 states, training over 3,000 healthcare workers in 682 facilities to offer basic eye care, first aid, and screening services”.

Dr. Akpan noted that this approach aims to shift eye care services closer to grassroots communities, ensuring early detection and intervention for diseases like glaucoma.

Commending President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing eye health, the Minister also acknowledged the contributions of international partners such as the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Sightsavers, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, and Christoffel Blinden Mission (CBM) in reducing the burden of vision impairment in Nigeria.

He further called on pharmaceutical companies to make essential glaucoma medications accessible and affordable to Nigerians.

Dr. Akpan urged researchers and innovators to leverage artificial intelligence and technology in developing early detection tools and improved treatment methods for glaucoma.

He stressed that collective efforts from the public and private sectors would be crucial in achieving a glaucoma-free Nigeria and advancing the country’s health and development goals.

The commemoration of the 2025 World Glaucoma Week in Nigeria includes nationwide awareness campaigns, free screenings, and educational programs to encourage early diagnosis and effective management of the disease.