More than 1,000 underprivileged residents across Abia State’s 17 local government areas have regained their sight after undergoing free cataract surgeries, thanks to an initiative sponsored by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The life-changing surgeries were simultaneously carried out at three designated centers: Abia Diagnostic Center and Madonna Hospital in Umuahia, and Abia State General Hospital in Aba.
Speaking during the medical outreach, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, Director of the NNPC Foundation, explained that the initiative was aimed at restoring the vision of those affected by cataracts—many of whom had become dependent on others due to partial or full blindness.
She lamented that cataracts are responsible for approximately 43% of blindness in Nigeria, noting that many of the beneficiaries were once breadwinners who had lost the ability to work and support their families.
Mrs. Arukwe commended Governor Alex Otti for providing the medical facilities and a capable team of healthcare professionals that ensured the success of the program. She disclosed that the outreach began in January and is currently being implemented across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with the Abia phase covering the Southeast and South-South regions.
“We are doing this across the country. After the South-East and South-South, we’ll move to North Central, North West, and North East, including parts of Abuja,” she said.
Highlighting the importance of vision, she stated, “Without sight, you are limited. Cataracts can stop people from reaching their full potential and hinder national development. But the good news is that it’s preventable and treatable.”
Mrs. Arukwe also revealed that over 2,000 people were screened during the exercise, while only those deemed medically fit were selected for surgery. In addition to cataract treatments, patients with other eye-related conditions also received care.
She recounted touching moments from previous phases of the outreach, including young children between the ages of 2 and 9 in the Southwest who were born with cataracts and successfully regained their sight after surgery. Similar cases were reported in Umuahia and Aba, with three and six children respectively treated for congenital cataracts.
She concluded by affirming NNPCL Foundation’s commitment to healthcare interventions as one of its core focus areas, pledging to continue such initiatives as resources allow.
Join Inclusive News Network WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You. Click Here