Estimated 4.2 Million People Over 40 Living With Severe Visual Impairments In Nigeria, Says Igo Weli

.As over 3,000 Bayelsa residents receive free eye treatments

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa 

The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC)’s Head of Corporate Relations, Igo Weli, has revealed that an estimated 4.25 million people over the age of 40 are living with moderate to severe visual impairments or blindness in Nigeria.

Speaking at a five-day free medical outreach organised by the SPDC, operator of the NNPCL/SPDC/TotalEnergies/NAOC Joint Venture in Zarama community of Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Weli said  global statistics from World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) reveal a pressing need as over 2.2 billion people worldwide suffer from vision impairment.

Represented by Mr. Alex Onumbu, Corporate Relations Head Projects and Opportunities SPDC, he said in nearly half of these cases, it could have been prevented or is yet to be addressed.

He said by 2050, vision impairment is expected to increase significantly due to population growth and aging, adding that globally, only 36% with distance vision impairment from refractive error and 17 per cent with cataract-related impairment receive appropriate treatment. 

“In light of these statistics, and data from our Health-In-Motion programme across Nigeria, where over 60 per cent of the 22,000-plus people screened had some form of visual impairment, we, at SPDC Joint Venture, alongside our partners at NNPC Limited, launched the Vision First Initiative. This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, and 11, contributing to health, well-being, and equity in our communities.

“Over the years, we have developed a targeted approach to enhance access to healthcare and strengthen health systems in Nigeria. This initiative is a continuation of our commitment to shared value community care and sustainable health initiatives.”

He said the outreach programme has not only improved access to eye care but has also reduced the prevalence of avoidable blindness, thereby improving the quality of life of beneficiaries.

He stated that the medical outreach had greatly enhanced the health and well-being of the people in the Zarama Community. 

He emphasised the importance of such programmes in providing necessary healthcare services, especially in remote areas where access to medical facilities could be limited. 

“This Vision First Plus is in collaboration with Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation, the Bayelsa Ministry of Health, Yenagoa Local Government Area and the Uzu community gatekeepers involved in this project to bring valuable services.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, said the state was determined to take qualitative healthcare to the door step of citizens and inhabitants of Bayelsa.

Represented by Dr. Ngowari Torunana, Director, Medical Services Ministry, Ministry of Health, Brisibe applauded the SPDC and its partners for the great initiative.

He said the Douye Diri-led administration had taken some bold steps in healthcare delivery in the state.

The Paramount Ruler of Zarama, King College Ogbara; King Lawson Oruwari of Epie Zarama, Head Okordia Clan; King Richard Seiba — all thanked SPDC for the programme which they admitted had impacted on the people positively.

No fewer than 3,000 residents have benefited from the five-day free medical outreach in Zarama community of Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The outreach, which ended at weekend, entitled, ‘Uzu Vision First Plus Programme’, was carried out in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Health, Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation, Yenagoa Local Government Area and the Uzu community gatekeepers.

Hundreds of beneficiaries of cataract, glaucoma and other eye defective surgeries hailed Shell and other partners for saving their eyes which they confessed couldn’t have been achieved because of exorbitant cost of such operations.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Oliva Oduwari, commended SPDC for the free medical services to the people.

Also, Oliseh Friday said he was excited at the offer, saying that before the free medical service, he was charged N3m to carry out cataract surgery which he could not afford.

“I am grateful for what Shell and partners have done to restore my sight. They should go to other places because so many people are having issues with their sights,” he stated.

The outreach programme, held for five days, not only provided eye care services but also included general medical services, thereby addressing various health concerns within the community. 

Residents were able to receive screenings, consultations, and treatments at no cost, significantly alleviating financial burdens associated with healthcare.

The programme demonstrates a committed effort towards improving healthcare accessibility in the region.