The Federal government
The Federal government through the Federal Ministry of health is
working towards achieving a Universal Eye Health through the
Universal Health Coverage as one of the priorities of the Federal
government..
The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, who was
represented by the Permanent Secretary, Health, Mr Abdulaziz
Mashi Abdullahi disclosed this at the World Sight Day with the
theme: ‘’Vision First’’, sub theme, ‘’ Beyond Vision 2020’’
recently in Abuja.
The Minister pointed out that the Unreached/ Underserved who are
often left behind when issues of health and development are often
discussed are at the core of this drive. These people include
people with disabilities, children, women, the elderly, Youth, the
urban poor and people in rural areas.
Launching the book title: ‘’Treatment Guidelines For Delivery
of Child Eye Health Services In Nigeria”, Dr. Ehanire
said the book will serve as a guideline in assisting the
affected
He stated that the National Health Policy makes promotion and
improvement of eye care services its priority in Nigeria. He
maintained that the Federal government through the Health Ministry,
its various departments and agencies are working towards achieving
this by integrating eye care services into existing National Health
Programmes, building capacity for eye health and strengthening the
evidence base for eye health problems and care.
The Minister informed that the maiden edition of the National
Eye health policy 2019 is developed in context and agreement with
the National Health Policy which provided a framework for
collective scale up of eye care service delivery at all levels
including child eye care, adding that it advocates for the
promotion, preventive curative and rehabilitative services.
The Minister further stated that the Federal government has
partnered with private, public health and non- health sector to
provide Eye Health programme to Nigerians, and also is focusing on
plans and programmes that will enable coverage to more people by
ensuring national spread of comprehensive eye care services; among
others.
Mr Abdullahi said that the Federal Ministry of Health is working
on strategies to bridge equity gaps in access to eye care,
intensify prevention and control of avoidable blindness and
strengthen collaborations amongst partners and stakeholders in
matters relating to eye health care.
The Permanent Secretary stated that the vision of the Ministry
is to have a Nigeria where no one is needlessly visually impaired
and to ensure that that unavoidable visual loss can achieve their
full potential with equitable access to comprehensive eye care
services.
He assured the Ministry’s continuous cooperation and support to
ensure the reduction in the burden of avoidable blindness and
visual impaired in Nigeria.
The Head, Nation Eye Health Programme, Dr. Oteri Okolo, in her
update on Eye Health Programme in Nigeria, said that the aim of the
Public Lecture is to educate the public especially policy and
decision makers about Vision 2020, it’s activities and to generate
support for blindness prevention with emphasis on the paediatric
group.
She stressed that the ‘’World Sight Day public’’ Lecture is also
an opportunity for people working on eye health in Nigeria to
review what has been achieved and to chart a way forward beyond
vision 2020.
In her remarks, Dr.Okolo stated that the Federal Ministry of
Health recognises that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is
fundamental for achieving sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
related not only to health and well-being, but to the end poverty,
ensure quality education, achieve gender equality and many more
while reaching the goals and target.
Enefaa Bob-Manuel
Head (Media & Public Relations)