NNPC Foundation Sponsor Free Cataract Surgeries To 1000 Patients In North East

NNPC Foundation sponsor free cataract surgeries to 1000 patients in North East 

From Umar Dankano, Yola 

No fewer than 1000 eye impaired patient s are currently receiving free cataract extraction treatment sponsored by the NNPC Foundation covering four states in the North East including Adamawa,Yobe, Bauchi and Gombe.

Flagging off the Free Cataract screening and Extraction programme in Yola Friday, Managing Director(MD) of the NNPC Foundation.Mrs Emmanuella N. Arukwe said that the Foundation has embarked on the surgical program across the six geopolitical zones to arrest prevalent vision impairment and blindness caused by cataract in the country.

Represented by the Executive Director, project,NNPC.Dr.David Bala,Mrs Arukwe noted that the Foundation recognize that sight is a fundamental pillar of human dignity and opportunity which informed the basis of the reach out lamenting that WHO’s research has revealed that cataract remains the leading cause of blindness globally which accounts for nearly 50% of blindness cases in Nigeria.

Arukwe explained that beyond the numbers, for the foundation, the initiative means enabling people to reclaim their sight and enjoy the bountiful sights of nature, empowering breadwinners to work and support their families, giving students the chance to excel their studies and a whole lot of other benefits to the individuals diagnosed with condition in the various communities.

“Through this initiative,we aim to provide free cataract screenings, surgeries, and public education about eye health.

“It is our expectation that this effort will help to restore sight to a targeted 6000 individuals in the country,1000 from each of the 6 geopolitical zones.

“NNPC Foundation will continue to provide support for accessible, affordable and sustainable healthcare for Nigerians across the the geopolitical zones.Together we can build a brighter, healthier future,and co-create resilient communities in the country”. Arukwe stressed.

Earlier in his remarks,Dr.Dahiru Ribadu, the team lead, medical outreach project said that the free cataract screening and extraction exercise is being conducted simultaneously in the country as part of the social coorperate responsibility of cooperation in the country.

Ribadu announced that, available research indices have shown that,the cataract challenge is prevalently pronounce in the North East region of the country urging people with it to come forward for the free medical treatment in various designated locations.

According to Ribadu, the exercise which commenced on the 30th April 2025 will end on the 12th May 2025 with 300 patients to be treated in Adamawa,300 in Yobe,200 in Gombe and 200 to have theirs in Bauchi state bringing the total to 1000 patients respectively.

Chief Medical Director of the Yola Specialist Hospital,Dr. Wadinga Dauda while delivering his good will message commended the NNPC Foundation for organizing the medical outreach pledging that his hospital personnel including Doctors and nurses will do necessary follow ups to all the beneficiaries.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mohammad Saidu Bello and Mr.James Bonga expressed gratitude to the organizers for the opportunity provided.

They confirmed that the surgeries were conducted free of charge and medicines for application on the treated eyes were also given free to all of them.