…………………5 million pairs of reading glasses free to Nigeria through JigiBola 2.0.
As Nigeria joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Glaucoma Week (WGW), the Honourable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Dr. Iziak Adekunle Salako has charged experts, academia, researchers and innovators technology with artificial intelligence to develop earlier methods of detection and effective treatment Modalities.
The Honourable Minister gave the charge on Monday March 10, 2025 in Abuja during the Ministerial Press Briefing to commemorate World Glaucoma Week (WGW).
Represented by the Director of Port Health Services Division of the Ministry, Dr. Michael Akpan during the briefing; Dr. Salako highlighted the importance of commemorating WGW, saying, it is a global initiative of the World Glaucoma Association and the World Glaucoma Patient Association.
Themed “Uniting for a Glaucoma Free World,See the Future Clearly”; WGW is designed to raise awareness on glaucoma directed at patients, policy makers, eye-care service providers and the public.
He stated that the goal of the week- long activities is to emphasize the importance of regular eye checks and early diagnosis of this largely asymptomatic and devastating disease, thus preserving the vision of those affected.
Dr. Salako further said “Glaucoma is an eye condition in which the optic nerve is progressively and irreversibly damaged resulting in loss of peripheral vision in the beginning, and blindness at advanced stages.”
Described as “the silent thief of sight”, which develops slowly into vision impairment before any signs or symptoms are apparent, it is regarded as the second commonest cause of blindness and leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and in Nigeria. However, it is manageable with early detection.
Buttressing his assertions with grim figures and statistics, the Minister stated glaucoma affects an estimated 60.5 million people worldwide, about 87% of which are living in developing countries. The Nigerian blindness and visual impairment survey 2005-2007 reported that 4.2% of the Nigerian population were blind; 16.7% was due to glaucoma.
“The risk factors associated with glaucoma include African ancestry which means virtually all Nigerians are at risk and increasing age (over 40 years). Additional risk factors include family history of glaucoma, elevated eye pressure, medical conditions that predisposes a person to glaucoma such as diabetes and hypertension, refractive errors, eye injuries, thin corneas and prolonged use of corticosteroid eye drops.”
On initiatives of the Federal Government to address glaucoma and, improve patient outcomes; the Ministry, Dr. Salako added, has worked assiduously over the years by supporting and implementing targeted screening, public awareness programs, advocacy, improving patient journey through the health system, leverage technology and, setting research priorities.
To further strengthen these Initiatives, the Minister explained that the Ministry through the National Eye Health Programme ( NEHP) is implementing on behalf of Mr. President, the Effective Spectacle Coverage Initiative Nigeria (ESCIN), also known as JigiBola 2.0.
The initiative, he stated, aims to provide free vision screening and distribute 5 million pairs of reading glasses free to Nigerians in the next 3 years.
Dr. Salako highlighted the derivable benefits in collaboration and partnership between the National Eye Health Program (NEHP) of the Ministry and local and international partners including the Livelihood Impact Fund, Restoring Vision USA and, The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), following the launch of JigiBola 2.0 in 2023.
He expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for supporting eye health through this impactful initiative and, eye care professionals and partners including amongst others, One Sight Essilor Luxorttica for providing support to the Ministry to reduce the burden of vision loss in Nigeria.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom mni, represented by the National Coordinator of National Eye Health Programme, Dr. Okolo Oteri, acknowledged the efforts of eye health professionals and partners, whose dedication and hard work are instrumental in the fight against glaucoma.
“As we commemorate World Glaucoma Week, I urge each one of you to take action, schedule a routine comprehensive eye exam, encourage your loved ones to do the same and, spread the word about the importance of early detection. Together, we can make a difference and help prevent vision loss caused by glaucoma”, she emphasized.
It is pertinent to state that free screenings are being organized by the Ministry and, will conducted at the following locations:
Monday – Garki Market
Wednesday – FCT Public Health Department
Thursday – Durumi Park
Friday – Area 1 Park
Signed
Alaba Balogun
Deputy Director
Information & Public Relations
10 March 2025
