MTN commences free cataract surgery in Delta

A statement from the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR),  MTNF Director, Mr. Akinwale Goodluck who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the MTN Foundation, Nonny Ugboma at the opening ceremony at the Central Hospital, Agbor stated that a lot of cases of blindness and visual impairment in the country are preventable.He said, “this programme is […]

A statement from the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR),  MTNF Director, Mr. Akinwale Goodluck who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the MTN Foundation, Nonny Ugboma at the opening ceremony at the Central Hospital, Agbor stated that a lot of cases of blindness and visual impairment in the country are preventable.
He said, “this programme is our contribution to curb blindness in Nigeria. We flagged off the project in Osun in April and we are happy to bring the project here to provide the much needed help for the less privileged.”
The project, which is endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Health, is being implemented in partnership with the Eye Foundation Centre for Prevention of Blindness (EFCPB) and in collaboration with Delta State Ministry of Health.
 “Under this project, a minimum of 10,000 patients will be screened for cataract and other eye diseases, while 2,000 cataract surgeries will be conducted on patients. In addition, 2,000 reading glasses and 2,000 drug packs will also be distributed free of charge to patients for treatment of allergies/infections,” said Goodluck.
The Governor of Delta state, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Otumara thanked MTNF for the initiative.
“The right to sight is one of the free gifts from God and is indispensable in enjoying and achieving one’s dreams and goals in life. The Foundation will be carrying out screening for eye diseases in designated primary health care centres across the state and a minimum of 10, 000 persons will be screened and 2,000 cataract surgeries will be performed. This is truly an impeccable act and we implore other organisations to begin to respond positively to the needs of the people within the communities they operate,” Otumara added.
 The MTN EyeRIS Project which is endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Health has been implemented in Osun, Niger and now Delta State. Other beneficiary states include, Jigawa, Abia and Sokoto states in the first phase.