A seven‑year‑old girl named Falilah Lukman is one of 200 residents who will receive free cataract surgery in Edo State, Nigeria, as part of a new programme aimed at erasing preventable blindness.
The initiative, organised by Tantita & Jovason Group in partnership with the Africa Cataract & Eye Foundation and the state government, is being carried out at the Edo Specialist Hospital in Benin City and at a health facility in the Ologbo community of Ikpoba‑Okha Local Government Area.
Founder of the foundation, ophthalmologist Dr Mejuya Okorodudu, warned that cataracts are not limited to older people and that children can be born with or develop the condition early. He said:
“Any time you hear that a child is blind, we want you to bring that child to us as soon as possible.”
Dr Okorodudu explained that a cataract can interfere with the visual centre of the brain if left untreated, potentially causing permanent damage. He added that the procedure, which involves removing the cloudy lens and inserting an artificial one, takes about 10 to 15 minutes and often restores useful vision immediately. He noted that 138 surgeries had already been performed at Ologbo before the latest phase in Benin City, with each operation and medication package valued at roughly N450,000.
Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, said the programme demonstrates the government’s commitment to making healthcare accessible to the poor and vulnerable. “The intervention is in line with the administration’s promise to prioritise healthcare for the poorest and most vulnerable members of society,” he said.
Managing Director of Edo Specialist Hospital, Dr Anthonia Njoku, praised the partners for the initiative, noting it aligns with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s vision of providing accessible healthcare for all residents of the state.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
