Nigeria's Health Minister Announces 25,000 Cataract Surgeries

On October 8, 2026, during the commemoration of World Sight Day in Abuja, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, announced the Federal Government's target of performing 25,000 free cataract surgeries by 2027 under the Renewed Hope Health Connect initiative. Represented by Dr Doris Afam Aneke, Salako emphasized the importance of eye health as a public health priority, highlighting its impact on education and productivity.

The government has trained over 3,000 healthcare workers across 16 states and activated more than 1,400 primary healthcare centers for eye care services. Additionally, over 1.5 million pairs of reading spectacles have been distributed, and more than 1.5 million school-age children have been screened for visual problems.

The government plans to extend these initiatives to 10 more states and establish four new vision centers in Enugu, Edo, Sokoto, and Nasarawa. Salako reiterated the commitment to equitable access to quality eye care and Nigeria's role in global eye health.