In a heartfelt commitment, President Bola Tinubu expressed his unwavering support for a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Health’s National Eye Health Programme and the Peek Vision Foundation. This alliance aims to deliver more than five million pairs of eyeglasses to Nigerians with sight impairments.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, conveyed this announcement during a courtesy visit by Prof. Andrew Bastawrous, Founder and CEO of Peek Vision Foundation and Co-Founder of the Vision Catalyst Fund.
President Tinubu recounted a personal experience with his late mother, who, after receiving eye care, prompted him to vow to make eye care accessible to all. He shared the profound impact of providing free eye screenings and surgeries to millions of Lagosians during his tenure as the Executive Governor of Lagos State.
Expressing concern for the 24 million Nigerians grappling with vision impairments, the President emphasized the vital role of sight in economic development and growth. He pledged his support and urged mobilization to ensure the initiative reaches vulnerable citizens nationwide.
Prof. Bastawrous underscored the transformative power of good vision, sharing his own story of newfound opportunities after receiving eyeglasses. He noted that eye care remains under-resourced in many countries, including Nigeria, where minimal funds are allocated to eye health.
The Peek Vision Foundation offered its methodology and platform to Nigeria, aiming to unlock resources from multiple sources. Prof. Bastawrous revealed the organization’s success in securing 200 million pairs of glasses through the Vision Catalyst Fund, with a significant portion intended for Nigeria.
To conclude the event, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, presented a National Policy Document on Eye Health to President Tinubu, joined by key officials from the National Eye Health Programme and the health sector.
This promising partnership holds the potential to improve the lives of millions of Nigerians by addressing vision impairments and fostering economic prosperity.
Credit: Channels TV
