1000 free cataract extraction surgeries in Ogun

In an effort to combat the widespread issue of vision impairment caused by cataracts, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC Limited) Foundation/Gte has launched 1,000 free cataract screening and extraction surgeries in the Southwest.

The initiative, which will be implemented in phases, is set to cut across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

Speaking at the Federal Medical Center in Abeokuta, the Managing Director of NNPC Limited Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, disclosed that healthcare and community development remain integral parts of the foundation’s activities. She noted that addressing preventable blindness would transform individual lives as well as strengthen families and local economies.

Arukwe, who was represented by the Deputy Manager of Special Projects at NNPC Foundation, stated that as the social impact arm of NNPC Limited, the foundation is determined to create sustainable, far-reaching initiatives.

He said, “This programme embodies our commitment to building a society where no one is left behind. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3—Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 10—Reduced Inequalities, by addressing healthcare disparities in underserved communities.”

According to her, the programme, commencing in the South-West, will expand to other geopolitical zones across the country in the coming months. Its purpose is to combat the widespread issue of vision impairment caused by cataracts, a condition that has severely impacted many Nigerians.

She noted that over the past 20 months, NNPC Foundation has spearheaded numerous healthcare initiatives, including a pilot eye screening and glaucoma treatment programme for over 290 individuals in Abuja, as well as free cancer screenings and counselling sessions for approximately 3,440 people across the six geopolitical zones.

She pointed out that the foundation also organized a medical outreach in Garki Village, Abuja, addressing non-communicable diseases and providing medical consumables to about 450 individuals.

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“The programme, commencing here in the South-West, will expand to other geopolitical zones across the country in the coming months. Its purpose is to combat the widespread issue of vision impairment caused by cataracts, a condition that has severely impacted many Nigerians,” Arukwe said.

Lead Consultant Physician to the foundation, Dr. Anne Amugo, explained that over 600 people have already been screened in Ogun, while more than 100 have also been screened for cataract surgeries in Lagos State. She added that the foundation is already surpassing its target of 1,000 beneficiaries.

Amugo noted that the foundation has already conducted 100 successful surgeries since the exercise began, while three children born with blindness have also had their sight restored.

She added, “One of these children was previously referred to the University College Hospital (UCH) but was unable to receive treatment due to financial constraints.

“The restoration of their sight brings immense joy to their families. The NNPC Foundation is undertaking this initiative as a responsible corporate citizen, aiming to positively impact the lives of indigent Nigerians.

“While the primary focus is on supporting indigent individuals, some non-indigent persons are also benefiting from the programme.

“The NNPC Foundation is proud to be restoring vision to those in need, enabling them to regain their productivity and independence.”

At the event, three minors were among the beneficiaries of the cataract extraction surgeries, which were also successful.

Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Center, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, urged the NNPC Foundation to extend its olive branch to cancer patients and assist in building a casualty centre for the hospital.