Nigerian Government launches national eye health policy for equitable access to care

By Matthew Eloyi

To improve equitable access to quality eye care treatments in Nigeria’s health system, the Federal Government has launched the National Eye Health Policy and inaugurated a National Eye Health Committee.

The policy was launched in Abuja on Thursday by Dr. Adeleke Mamora, Minister of State for Health, who was represented by Dr. Omobolanle Olowu, Director Special Projects, Public-Private Partnerships, and Diaspora (DSP/PPP and Diaspora).

According to Mamora, the initiative aims to expand the country’s existing eye healthcare facilities.

He went on to say that a lack of understanding and access to eye care could be one of the reasons why so many Nigerians are blind.

According to him, Nigeria’s first complete National Eye Health Policy scales up existing eye health services and ensures that no one is left behind through initiatives that ensure equitable access to quality eye care services.

He stated that it will assist the country in achieving universal eye health as part of Nigeria’s comprehensive health coverage.

The agreement was adopted by the States and the Federal Capital Territory at the National Council on Health’s 64th meeting, according to Mamora.

Mamora emphasized the importance of vision in people’s socioeconomic growth.

He stated that Nigeria, together with other member states, had embraced a vision for everyone at the United Nations General Assembly, which included accelerated action to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals resolution.

According to him, the goal was to commit the international community to eye health by 2030 for the 1.1 billion people who are blind due to preventable causes.