Health

CBM Launches SightQuest Nigeria with N25bn Eye Health Fund

Published

9 months ago

February 6, 2026

Q Tinny

CBM launches SightQuest Nigeria with €15m (N25bn) to cut avoidable blindness, expand cataract and refractive care across states by 2035

Christian Blind Mission (CBM) International has launched SightQuest Nigeria, a decade-long national eye health intervention backed by a financial commitment of 15 million euros (about ₦25 billion) to reduce avoidable blindness and visual impairment across the country.

Also read: Delta Health College Convocation Inspires 5,922 Graduates

The programme, unveiled in Abuja on Thursday, is designed to strengthen disability-inclusive health systems, expand access to cataract surgery and refractive error services, and integrate primary eye care into Nigeria’s existing health framework.

CBM Chief Executive Officer, Dr Rainer Brockhans, described the initiative as a major milestone in the organisation’s 57-year partnership with Nigeria, tracing its presence in the country to 1968.

“Today, that partnership reaches an important milestone with the launch of SightQuest Nigeria, a 10-year initiative to reduce avoidable blindness and to address refractive errors.

These are two critical public health challenges affecting millions of Nigerians,” Brockhans said.

He explained that the programme builds on previous collaborations such as the Plateau State Eye Health project with Sightsavers and the AOLFEIN project targeting the elimination of Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis.

“With SightQuest Nigeria, we are not simply starting another project; we are launching an integrated and comprehensive initiative to achieve lasting, long-term results,” he added.

According to Brockhans, the €15m commitment will complement CBM’s ongoing work in community-based inclusive development and humanitarian action, while additional fundraising efforts are ongoing to attract more donors, including Nigerian supporters.

Representing the President of the Senate, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, said the National Assembly viewed health investment as central to national development and inclusion.

“A ten-year mission reflects patience, seriousness, and faith in institutional progress, qualities development requires,” Banigo said, describing avoidable blindness as both a public health and moral challenge.

Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako, highlighted the economic implications of vision loss.

“Visual impairment lowers productivity and national growth. It costs the global economy $401bn annually. The Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to preventing avoidable vision loss,” Salako said.

In his welcome address, CBM Nigeria Country Director, Omoi Ozovehe Samuel, described the initiative as transformative.

“SightQuest is more than a programme; it is a vision of hope. It is about restoring sight, dignity, and opportunity to millions,” he said.

A statement issued at the event said the programme will run from 2026 to 2035, initially covering Bauchi, Imo, Jigawa, Plateau, and Oyo states, with plans to expand to nine additional states.

By 2035, SightQuest aims to achieve a 30-percentage-point increase in effective cataract surgical coverage in 10 states, with half expected to reach the target by 2030. The programme will also deploy targeted strategies to expand access to refractive error services.

Also read: Rotary Club of Ikoyi Metro commissions N150m healthcare upgrade at General Hospital Odan

CBM noted that the initiative forms part of its Inclusive Health Initiative focused on strengthening district-level health systems, improving secondary eye care, and reinforcing referral networks within the public sector.

Up Next

Plateau Confirms Lassa Fever Deaths, Doctors Affected

Don't Miss

Nonye Soludo Flags Off Measles-Rubella Vaccination in Anambra

Q Tinny

Click to comment

Health

How Nigerians Can Stay Safe as El Niño Threatens Heat, Drought

Published

17 hours ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

El Niño safety tips for Nigerians: NEMA urges households to prepare for extreme heat, conserve water, protect food supplies and follow weather alerts

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged Nigerians to take precautionary measures against the potential effects of El Niño, warning that the climate phenomenon could contribute to extreme heat, changing rainfall patterns, drought and food shortages.

Also read: Chinese Brands Drop Mbappe Over Mao Joke Controversy

In an advisory issued on Monday titled “Super El Niño Is Coming: What You Can Do to Protect Yourself, Your Family and Your Community,” the agency outlined eight measures individuals, households and communities can adopt to reduce their exposure to climate-related risks.

“Super El Niño can cause hotter temperatures, less rainfall, drought, floods and food shortages,” NEMA warned.

El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon that occurs when sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean become warmer than normal.

It is the warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, a climate pattern that also includes La Niña, its cooler phase, and neutral conditions.

The phenomenon can influence atmospheric circulation, affecting temperatures and rainfall patterns in different parts of the world. Its effects, however, vary by region and depend on local climate conditions.

According to PUNCH, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) reported in its August 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction Update and August-September-October rainfall forecast that a strong El Niño event had begun developing in 2026.

NiMet said the event was expected to influence global climate patterns during the August to October period and could have implications for rainfall patterns in Nigeria.

NEMA has therefore advised Nigerians to take the following steps to protect themselves, their families and their livelihoods.

Prepare for extreme heat

NEMA advised Nigerians to drink clean water regularly, avoid direct exposure to the sun between 11 am and 4 pm, and wear lightweight clothing and hats. The agency also recommended sunscreen use and urged people to check regularly on children, older people and others who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.

Conserve water

Households should use water carefully, repair leaking taps and pipes, and store water in clean, covered containers. NEMA also encouraged residents to keep their surroundings clean to help protect water sources from contamination.

Protect food supplies and livelihoods

The agency urged families to maintain adequate food supplies for emergencies and encouraged communities to support local farming and home gardening.

Farmers were advised to protect livestock and poultry, adopt improved agricultural practices and drought-resistant crops where suitable, and explore available government and partner support programmes.

NEMA also recommended diversifying income sources to reduce the effects of climate-related disruptions on household earnings.

Pay attention to health and sanitation

Nigerians were advised to take precautions against heat-related illnesses and dehydration, maintain proper sanitation and practise regular handwashing.

Keeping surroundings clean can also help reduce exposure to diseases associated with poor sanitation and contaminated water. NEMA urged people who become unwell to seek medical attention promptly.

Reduce exposure during peak heat hours

The agency recommended limiting outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, particularly between 11 am and 4 pm.

Where outdoor activities cannot be avoided, people should seek shade, wear protective head coverings, take regular breaks and drink water. NEMA also advised households to schedule demanding activities for early mornings or late evenings when conditions may be cooler.

Strengthen community preparedness

NEMA called on residents to participate in community preparedness and early-warning initiatives, share reliable safety information with neighbours and check on vulnerable people.

Community cooperation, the agency said, can help households respond more effectively to climate-related emergencies.

Follow official weather updates

Nigerians were advised to monitor updates from NEMA, NiMet and other trusted media outlets, follow official warnings and report emergencies to the relevant authorities.

Also read: Chinese Brands Drop Mbappe Over Mao Joke Controversy

The agency’s advisory emphasises the importance of early preparation as changing weather conditions can affect public health, agriculture, water availability and household food security.