Nigeria has launched a major 10-year eye health initiative backed by N25 billion in funding. On Thursday in Abuja, Christian Blind Mission International (CBM) officially introduced the SightQuest Nigeria programme to fight avoidable blindness and visual impairment through stronger, disability-inclusive health systems.
Dr. Rainer Brockhans, CEO of CBM, called the move a major step in the organisation’s 57-year partnership with Nigeria. He said CBM will invest 15 million euros—about N25 billion—over the next decade. “Today marks an important milestone,” he stated. Avoidable blindness and uncorrected refractive errors affect millions of Nigerians.
Importantly, the SightQuest Nigeria programme builds on past work like the Plateau State Eye Health project and the AOLFEIN initiative that tackled river blindness in four states. Brockhans stressed this is not just another short-term project. “We are launching an integrated, comprehensive effort to deliver lasting results.”
Specifically, the programme will expand access to cataract surgery and vision correction. It will also integrate primary eye care into existing clinics and ensure services reach women, children, people with disabilities, and rural communities. “Too many people live with treatable vision loss,” Brockhans said.
Moreover, Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health, warned that vision loss hurts productivity and costs the global economy $401 billion yearly. “The federal government will act to prevent avoidable blindness,” he declared.
In response, the SightQuest Nigeria programme will run from 2026 to 2035. It begins in Bauchi, Imo, Jigawa, Plateau, and Oyo states and will soon expand to nine more. By 2035, it aims to boost cataract surgery rates by 30 percentage points across 10 states—with half expected to hit the target by 2030. Additionally, the team will roll out better access to eyeglasses and vision screening.
Furthermore, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, praised the 10-year plan. “This mission shows patience, seriousness, and faith in progress,” she said. She described avoidable blindness as both a health and moral crisis. “This programme stands for dignity, opportunity, and justice.”
Omoi Ozovehe Samuel, CBM Nigeria Country Director, said the launch begins a transformative journey. “SightQuest is more than a health project—it is a vision of hope,” he added. “It restores sight, dignity, and opportunity to millions.”
To achieve this, CBM will run the initiative under its Inclusive Health Initiative. The team will strengthen local health systems, upgrade eye care at secondary facilities, and build stronger referral links across public clinics. Meanwhile, CBM is raising more funds and hopes to bring Nigerian donors on board.
Ultimately, Brockhans reminded everyone that real people stand behind the numbers: a child who finally sees the blackboard, a farmer who regains independence, a grandmother who recognizes her grandchildren’s faces. With strong partnerships and sustained effort, this 10-year mission can transform eye health for millions across Nigeria.
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