The Redeemers’ Aids Initiative for People and Community (RAPAC), the charity arm of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has partnered with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) to provide free eye screenings in Gombe State.
The five-day medical outreach, held across five communities in four local government areas, screened a total of 1,622 residents. Out of this number, 1,420 received free reading glasses, while others were referred for further medical care.
Speaking at the closing event on Monday in Nasarawo community, Gombe Local Government Area, RAPAC Coordinator, Mr. Jones Oyemade, said the initiative aimed to improve access to essential eye care services in underserved communities.
“We planned to screen over 5,000 individuals, but turnout was slightly lower than expected. However, we still have enough reading glasses to support more beneficiaries in future outreach programmes,” Oyemade said.
Also speaking, Pastor Joshua David, Pastor-in-Charge of RCCG Gombe Province 2, described the programme as a practical demonstration of God’s love.
“This outreach reflects RCCG’s broader humanitarian vision. Our General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, continues to support hospitals across Nigeria by donating medical equipment to improve healthcare and well-being in communities,” he said.
Mr. Tamka Tammy, Focal Person for the Gombe State Presbyopia Programme under CHAI, said the collaboration with RAPAC had greatly expanded access to eye care services in the state.
According to him, 231 healthcare workers have been trained across the state’s 11 local government areas.
“Each local government now has at least seven health facilities equipped to screen and dispense reading glasses to adults aged 40 and above,” Tammy stated.
He revealed that more than 59,000 free reading glasses had been distributed across Gombe State since December 2024, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s initiative to distribute one million free reading glasses nationwide.
Tammy urged residents to take advantage of available eye care services and encouraged more partners to join efforts to reduce preventable vision problems across Nigeria.
