NEDC partners Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation, provide free treatment to 2,295 patients in Taraba
Jethro Yerga, Jalingo
North East Development Commission NEDC in collaboration with an International NGO known as Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation, has provided free eye care services to 2,295 residents of Ibi and Wukari Local Government Areas of Taraba State.
The free medical outreach, which ended on Tuesday in Wukari, is an extension of the humanitarian exercise build up to provide equitable and accessible free eyecare for the underserved communities of the North East, which was flagged off in Jalingo, December last year for Taraba residents
Addressing journalists at the end of the programme, leader of the team and Executive Director of Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation, Prof. Olukorede Adenuga said that the initiative brought relief to thousands of people in the local government areas who had access to specialized eye care services.
Prof. Olukorede Adenuga who said the outreach recorded 254 eye surgeries and distribution of 904 prescription glasses, among others things, added that the program aimed at tackling preventable blindness and other eye-related conditions.
“In Ibi Local Government, 1,210 people benefited from the programme, with 124 surgeries performed and 211 prescription glasses distributed. In Wukari, 1,085 residents were treated, with 130 surgeries and 693 glasses provided.
“We are delighted to restore sight and improve the quality of life for so many individuals. This initiative proves that with collaboration, we can make a significant difference in underserved communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, some of the beneficiaries who spoke to journalists, expressed their gratitude to the organisers for the free eye care service.
Mrs. Esther Danjuma, a 62-year-old farmer from Wukari, who regained her vision after cataract surgery, said, “For years, I lived in darkness and depended on my children for everything. Today, I can see again, and it feels like a miracle. I am forever grateful to the organisers,” she said.
A community leader, Mr. Bala Umar commended the initiative, describing it as a lifeline for the people. “We are grateful to the organisers, and we want to thank them for bringing this free eye care service to our door steps.
Fitami David, from the Humanitarian Affairs Directorate of NEDC, said the free medical outreach reflects NEDC’s commitment to equitable healthcare access in Nigeria’s northeast.
It could be recalled that at the flagg off ceremony of the program in Jalingo, the Managing Director of NEDC, Muhammed Alkali, who was represented by the Taraba State coordinator of the commission, Bashir Hamanjoda, reiterated the commitment of NEDC to providing free eyecare services to bridge the gap in Vision health across the six states of North East and encouraged the beneficiaries to adhere strictly to the various prescriptions given them by the experts.
