Sightsavers, Kwara  Partner to Enhance Eye Care 

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Sightsavers has joined forces with the Kwara State Government to enhance eye care services by providing state-of-the-art health equipment with the goal of transforming medical assistance for local population in Kwara State.

With an estimated 24 million Nigerians suffering from vision loss, the collaboration aimed to curb this alarming trend through advanced tools that facilitate early detection and diagnosis of eye health issues.

The partnership, announced by Sightsavers Country Director, Dr. Sunday Isiyaku, is part of a broader initiative to provide state-of-the-art resources that would empower medical professionals to offer high-quality eye care services.

The equipment included sophisticated diagnostic tools, precision surgical instruments and specialised technology designed to identify and treat eye health conditions at an early stage.

Isiyaku emphasised the profound impact of good eye health on various aspects of life, stating that “healthy eyes open doors to opportunities, enabling children to learn and adults to contribute to the workforce.

“This ripples across education, well-being, economy, and overall health outcomes. By preventing avoidable blindness, we are not only alleviating suffering but also fostering prosperity at individual, community, and national levels.” he said.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Dr. Abubakar Ayinla, expressed gratitude for Sightsavers’ continued support and highlighted the importance of the collaboration in advancing the state’s healthcare services.

Ayinla said: “This partnership underscores our commitment to prioritise the welfare of our citizens and ensure equitable access to top-tier eye care services,” said Dr. Ayinla.

Sightsavers is an international organisation that works in more than 30 low and middle income countries to end avoidable blindness, treat and eliminate neglected tropical diseases, and promote equality of opportunity for people with disabilities.

Sightsavers vision is of a world where no one is blind from avoidable causes and people with disabilities participate equally in society. It is a registered in The UK charity.