LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Thousands of vulnerable Nigerians struggling with vision loss are regaining hope following a large-scale free eye care intervention that has transformed lives across Katsina State and beyond.
About 7,000 patients with various eye ailments benefited from free surgeries, medications and eyeglasses sponsored by Mangal Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization, during its 2025 outreach programme. The initiative culminated in the last-quarter eye surgery exercise held at the Katsina Eye Centre.
A member of the foundation’s Board of Trustees, Hussaini Kabir, said the beneficiaries were drawn not only from Katsina but also from neighbouring states and the Republic of Niger, underscoring the regional impact of the programme.
According to Kabir, the foundation commenced screening about two weeks before the exercise, during which patients received free drugs and medicated eyeglasses. Those diagnosed with conditions requiring surgery had their hospital care fully funded, including admission and treatment costs. He added that about 2,000 patients were screened during the ongoing last-quarter exercise alone.
READ ALSO: Adeleke Hails NULGE Work Resumption Praises Police Role In Osun Councils
“Our aim is to complement government efforts and ease the healthcare cost burden on the most vulnerable, especially those struggling to meet basic needs,” Kabir said, describing the programme as part of the foundation’s commitment to expanding access to essential healthcare.
He further disclosed that since the initiative began in 2016, Mangal Foundation has sponsored free eye surgeries and related services for about 18,000 vulnerable individuals, many of whom would otherwise have remained untreated due to financial constraints.
For beneficiaries, the impact has been deeply personal, as many expressed heartfelt gratitude for the life-changing treatment that restored their hope. The beneficiaries urged organisations and well-meaning individuals to support similar health initiatives, noting that access to affordable eye care remains out of reach for many.
With thousands already treated and more in line for care, the foundation hopes that its intervention continues to demonstrate how targeted healthcare support can restore sight, dignity and quality of life for the most vulnerable.
