Advancing universal health coverage (UHC) through the provision of comprehensive eye care services to all and at a cost that does not lead to financial ruin is the major goal of the National Eye Health Policy which this document intends to operationalize.
The key strategy is to implement inclusive, integrated, patient-centred eye services that meet the needs and aspirations of Nigerians, striking the most valued balance between promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative services.
Globally, vision impairment and blindness are major causes of human suffering, poverty, social exclusion, poor quality of life, disruptions in education and employment and early morbidity. Blindness in particular places a heavy economic burden on individuals, families, communities, and nations.
The National Strategic Plan for Eye Health (2024-2028) represents the commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Health to the attainment of the highest quality of eye health for its people.
The plan is based on a series of inter and multisectoral consultations and engagements with key stakeholders to ensure integration within and beyond the national health system. Evidence was generated through a thorough assessment of Nigeria’s Eye Health System using the WHO Eye Care Assessment Tool.
Data from the National Blindness and Vision Impairment Survey, and more recent studies like the World Report on Vision also informed this work. It was also based on the global agenda for eye health from the World Health Assembly Resolution 2020 and 2021 and the United Nations Resolution 2021, taking into cognizance local contexts.
It addresses gaps identified from the implementation of the previous plan, and has set targets in strengthening leadership and governance, eye care integration into the Health Information System, Primary Eye Care into Primary Health Care, increasing workforce capacity, effective partnerships, generating evidence to inform policies and programmes and empowering the people to take an active role in their eye health care.