Delta State Trains 232 Workers for Enhanced Eye Care

The Delta State government has intensified its eye-care campaign by training more than 232 Primary Health Care (PHC) workers across 75 centres to provide essential eye-care services. This initiative was announced by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, during a statewide broadcast for the 2026 World Sight Day, which is celebrated on the second Thursday of October.

The theme for this year, “Love Your Eyes… Every Story Counts!”, emphasizes the importance of eye health and early detection of visual impairments. The state government, in collaboration with the National Eye, Ear and Other Sensory Functions Programme (NESHP) and other partners, is enhancing eye-care services through the Jigibola 2.0 Programme.

Eye-care services are now available at various hospitals, including Asaba Specialist Hospital and Delta State University Teaching Hospital. The initiative has also led to the recruitment of dispensing opticians and the upgrading of the Eye Clinic at General Hospital, Ibusa.

Additionally, the Clinton Health Access Initiative has provided free reading glasses, while the Vision Care for Development Foundation has supported over 500 free cataract surgeries since April 2026. Dr Onojaeme urged residents to avoid self-medication and seek professional help for eye problems.