The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) has given free cataract surgeries to at least 50 people in Zaria, Kaduna State.
This medical outreach also included various health checkups and treatments. It was part of the activities for the association’s 24th Biennial Conference and Scientific Meeting held in Zaria.
According to MWAN President, Dr. Aisha Mustapha, the outreach was organized to improve people’s health, especially with the growing number of cataract cases in Nigeria.
The free medical and surgery program will run from August 19 to August 31, 2025. It will also offer cervical cancer prevention services to 150 women, along with other health screenings.
While speaking to journalists during the outreach, Dr. Mustapha said, “Some people live with surgical conditions for over 30 years because they can’t afford treatment.
We’re here as part of our social responsibility to offer free medical care to those in need.”Dr. Mustapha explained that cataracts are mainly caused by aging.
As people grow older, the proteins in the lens of the eye can clump together, making the lens cloudy and causing cataracts.
Other causes can include genetics, eye injuries, certain illnesses, or long-term use of specific medicines.
She also said that people can lower their risk of cataracts or slow down their development by living a healthy lifestyle and having regular eye checkups.
People who received help from the outreach were very thankful.One of them, 59-year-old Grace Akema, said she had lived with the disease for years because she could not afford surgery.
She prayed that God would bless the organizers with more support so they can help even more people.
The association also thanked the Emir of Zazzau, HRH Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, for his strong support of both the outreach and the 24th Biennial Conference.
