In a bid to combat cataract and glaucoma in Nigeria’s northwest region, the Sokoto State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the NNPC Foundation, has launched a free eye surgery initiative.
The program aims to treat 1,000 patients across the Northwest, with 200 slots allocated specifically for Sokoto State.
Speaking during the official launch held at General Hospital, Wurno, on Wednesday, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Wurno, announced that 200 patients would benefit from the eye care intervention within the state.
“The initiative will cater to 120 patients at General Hospital, Wurno, and 80 at the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto,” Dr. Wurno stated.
“This is part of a broader effort to treat 6,000 patients with eye conditions across Nigeria. The Northwest received 1,000 slots, and Sokoto State was allocated 200.”
Dr. Wurno also emphasized the wide-reaching awareness campaign carried out to ensure residents across the state were informed.
He noted that two centers were established for the program: General Hospital, Wurno, serving the eastern senatorial district, and the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, serving the central and western zones.
He assured the public that the 5-day program is completely free of charge.
“No patient or family member is expected to pay a single naira. Everything is fully covered by the program,” he said.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state’s commitment to quality healthcare delivery, which he said is a key component of Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s nine-point development agenda.
“The governor is fully backing this initiative, and we remain committed to improving healthcare at all levels.”
Dr. Wurno also urged patients to adhere to medical advice and follow post-operative care instructions from healthcare providers.
A representative of the NNPC Foundation, Dr. Zainab Umar highlighted that the cataract surgeries are part of the Foundation’s corporate social responsibility to improve public health and reduce the burden of avoidable diseases.
Other dignitaries present included Nasir Umar Yabo, Sokoto State Manager of the Eye Care Program, and Mu’azu Shehu, secretary to the District Head of Wurno, Kabiru Alhassan.
They lauded the initiative as a welcome and timely intervention.
Cataract and glaucoma remain among the most prevalent causes of blindness in Nigeria.
Symptoms often include gradual loss of peripheral vision, tunnel vision, faded color perception, headaches, and difficulty seeing at night.
According to the Federal Ministry of Health, glaucoma accounts for approximately 17% of blindness in the country, making it the second leading cause after cataracts. Limited access to timely medical care often exacerbates the situation.
