The Imo State Ministry of Health, alongside St. Joseph’s Eye Hospital Mgbirichi and the Christian Blind Mission, has launched a major eye care project aimed at reaching about 1.65 million people with eye health services and awareness programmes before the end of 2029.
The initiative was officially unveiled in Owerri on Tuesday as part of efforts to improve access to quality eye care, especially for vulnerable and visually-impaired persons across the state.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Chief Medical Director of St. Joseph’s Eye Hospital, Dr Christiana Ubaka, described the programme as a major step toward strengthening healthcare delivery and promoting inclusive health services.
“The event signifies hope, progress, and a renewed dedication to ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing quality healthcare services and health education, especially women, children, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable members of our communities,” Ubaka said.
She explained that the project focuses on expanding access to comprehensive eye care services while improving awareness and support systems for underserved populations.
According to her, the programme directly targets over 105,000 individuals who will receive eye care services before the end of 2029.
“We want to enhance and strengthen collaboration with the Imo State Ministry of Health in the provision of eye care services and in the areas of leadership and coordination,” she stated.
Ubaka disclosed that at least 21,120 patients are expected to receive their first eye examination at various Vision Centres established under the initiative.
Out of that number, an estimated 6,336 patients requiring specialised treatment will be referred to secondary healthcare facilities for further care.
She added that 211 individuals, including healthcare workers, persons living with disabilities and government officials, will undergo direct training under the project.
According to her, about 84,000 patients are expected to benefit from eye care services during the second and third phases of the programme.
The project also plans to carry out approximately 6,500 eye surgeries within two years.
Beyond direct healthcare services, organisers said the initiative aims to indirectly reach at least 1.65 million people through radio programmes, awareness campaigns and community sensitisation activities across Imo State.
A total of nine healthcare facilities across the three senatorial zones of the state are expected to benefit from institutional support and capacity-building measures under the project.
The facilities include both public hospitals and privately operated centres managed by the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy.
Ubaka stressed that disability inclusion and gender equality remain central to the implementation strategy of the programme.
“At the heart of it all, disability inclusion at all levels of implementation is prioritised,” she said.
“The project will further provide training on advocacy, awareness-raising, empowerment, disability rights, and gender equality, especially for persons with disabilities.”
Also speaking, the Imo State Commissioner for Health, Chioma Egu, highlighted the importance of public education and collaboration in tackling health challenges.
“Through collaboration, partnership, and continuous engagement, we can create lasting solutions that will positively impact lives for generations to come,” Egu stated.
