GBFoods partners FEB for third free cataract surgeries

In a bid to restore sight and renew hope, food manufacturing company, GBFoods, has partnered with non-profit organisation, Fundacion Elena Barraquer (FEB), and the Niger Foundation Hospital and Diagnostic Centre to offer free cataract surgeries to patients in Enugu State.

The five-day programme, held from September 16 to 20, 2024 marks the third edition and has successfully completed over 1,000 surgeries to date. This initiative is aimed at reducing the prevalence of cataracts, a leading cause of preventable blindness.

This impactful medical mission served as a lifeline for many in Enugu, providing not only life-changing surgeries but also comprehensive care, including screenings, post-operative medications, and eyeglasses.

Cataracts, one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in Nigeria, disproportionately affect the elderly and have long been a significant public health challenge. This partnership aims to address this issue by improving the quality of life for beneficiaries, boosting productivity in the local community, and reducing the prevalence of vision impairment.

While speaking on the initiative, Managing Director, GBFoods Nigeria, Vincent Egbe, highlighted the broader commitment to the sustainability of the initiative, stating, “Sustainability is integral to our business strategy. We are committed to ensuring that our operations create a positive impact on the communities we serve. Our program addresses cataract-related vision impairment, enabling individuals to regain their sight. This initiative not only enhances their quality of life but fosters greater prosperity within their communities.”

Director, Niger Foundation & Diagnostic Hospital, Enugu, Ito Diejomoah, remarked, “This is the second time we are running this programme in Enugu, and it’s always a very great experience.

Through this collaboration with the Elena Barraquer Foundation and GBFoods, we’ve been able to perform nearly 500 cataract surgeries. The impact extends beyond the individuals—it’s also felt by their families and communities. This kind of partnership and making something as large as this happen is very gratifying.”

Shared her excitement, Director of Operations, Fundacion Elena Barraquer, Tete Ferreiro, said: “It is a great honour for the Elena Barraquer Foundation to return to Enugu for the second time. We have established strong partnerships with GB Foods and the Niger Foundation Hospital, whose support has greatly facilitated our efforts. The opportunity to help individuals regain their sight, return to work, and support their families is deeply rewarding. We are proud to continue this transformative journey.”

This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), as GBFoods continues to play a vital role in reducing preventable blindness and improving community health. It also reinforces the brand’s belief in the power of sustainable health initiatives to bring lasting change to the lives of Nigerians.

Through this partnership with Fundacion Elena Barraquer and the Niger Foundation Hospital, GBFoods sets a powerful example of how corporate entities can positively impact society. With each surgery, the company reaffirms its commitment to improving lives and advocating for health equity across Nigeria.