A non-governmental organisation, Sightsavers International, has said over 4.24 million Nigerians are affected by blindness or visual impairment, mainly due to preventable or treatable conditions such as cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors.

The organisation said this on Tuesday in Kano at the Day 2 of a meeting attended by journalists from North-West Nigeria.

It is aimed at boosting collaboration between the media and sightsavers on health, disability inclusion, and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

Speaking at the workshop, the Advocacy Coordinator, Esther Bature, representing Country Director, Prof. Joy Shuaibu, said many cases stemmed from preventable conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and uncorrected refractive errors.

Ms Bature added that access to eye care remained a challenge, with only 4.4 per cent of Nigerians getting eye health services as against 38 per cent in middle-income countries.

She said that sightsavers, established in 1950, has over 50 years’ presence in Nigeria promoting healthcare, education and inclusion for persons with disabilities.

Ms Bature urged the government and stakeholders to boost awareness and investments in eye health via the ‘4Ps Approach” – Preserve, Prioritise, Prevent and Protect.

She stressed bridging gaps between tertiary institutions and the rural communities, advocating inclusive policies for women, children and persons with disabilities.

Sightsavers also reaffirmed commitment to supporting national initiatives prioritising disability inclusion and eye health.

(NAN)