NNPC Foundation launches 1,000 free cataract surgeries in Northeast

The Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Foundation has launched a free cataract screening, surgery, and extraction programme for 1,000 individuals in the North-East.

Speaking at the official launch of the initiative in Yola on Friday, the Managing Director of the foundation, Mrs Emmanuela Arukwe, stated that the intervention aims to address the widespread issue of vision impairment and blindness caused by cataracts across the country.

Arukwe, who was represented by the foundation’s Executive Director of Programme Development, Dr David Bala, noted that cataracts remain one of the leading causes of blindness globally.

She said, “The challenge is not merely a health issue, it is a social and economic crisis, as vision loss affects productivity, independence, and overall quality of life.

“At NNPC Foundation, we recognise that sight is a fundamental pillar of human dignity and opportunity.

“This understanding forms the basis of our outreach programme. Through this initiative, we aim to provide free cataract screenings, surgeries, and public education on eye health.

“We hope that this effort will restore sight to 6,000 individuals nationwide, 1,000 from each of the six geopolitical zones”.

Dr Dahiru Ribadu, Team Leader of the Cataract Outreach Project, explained that among the targeted beneficiaries, 300 are allocated for Adamawa, 300 for Yobe, 200 for Gombe, and 200 for Bauchi state.

He noted that cataracts account for 50 per cent of blindness among adults aged 40 and above in Nigeria.

“The data indicates that the north-east zone has the highest prevalence rate at 6.1 per cent. Additionally, the traditional practice of lens couching remains common in the region, despite its poor visual outcomes,” he said.

Dr Felix Tangwami, Commissioner at the Ministry of Health, described the initiative as a laudable one and thanked the foundation for selecting Adamawa as a beneficiary.

Represented by the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, Mr Steven John, the Commissioner expressed the state government’s willingness to collaborate with partners on such impactful programmes.

Malam Lawan Ahijo, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude for the gesture.

He confirmed that he regained his sight after two years of total blindness, adding that the treatment was completely free of charge.