Nigeria Activates 1,400 PHCs for Enhanced Eye Care Services

The Federal Government has activated more than 1,400 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) across Nigeria to enhance access to primary eye care services. This initiative was disclosed by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, during the 2026 World Sight Day commemoration in Abuja.

The government views avoidable blindness and visual impairment as significant public health challenges. The integration of primary eye care into the healthcare system has expanded the capacity of facilities to manage common eye conditions.

Over 3,000 healthcare workers have been trained across 16 states to provide essential eye care services. The initiative has led to the distribution of more than 1.5 million pairs of reading spectacles and the screening of over 1.5 million school-age children for visual problems.

Additionally, four new vision centres are being established in Enugu, Edo, Sokoto, and Nasarawa states to improve access to secondary eye care services.