Sightsavers, FG Partner To Educate Commercial Drivers On Eye Health
Sightsavers, an international development organisation, and the Federal Government are collaborating to educate commercial drivers on the importance of eye health to improve safety on roads across the country.
Sightsavers, in a statement issued in Abuja by its Communications Officer, Joy Tarbo, said the partnership with the government through the Federal Ministry of Transportation, was aimed to raise the awareness of commercial transporters and other road users on the significance of keeping healthy eyes.
It said the initiative was part of activities to mark World Sight Day which is held annually on October 13, adding that commercial drivers would also receive eye screenings and spectacles.
Commenting on activities to mark the global day in the transport sector, Sightsavers stated that it would hold “eye health education, screenings, and provision of spectacles for drivers in motor parks in Abuja, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Transport.”
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It explained that the eye health crisis in Nigeria would spiral if stakeholders fail to act now.
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The firm stated that in 2007, it was estimated that among people aged 40 years and over, around 1.1 million were blind and over 403,000 were severely vision impaired.
“With expanding populations, it is expected that these numbers would be significantly higher today,” Sightsavers stated.
It added, “This is a global problem, not just a regional one, and it is estimated that without concerted action the number of people who are blind across the world could triple by 2050.
“Good eye health has a ripple effect on society, improving education, wellbeing, economics and health outcomes.”
Further activities to mark the day include eye health screenings at the national assembly, which will be held in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Capital Territory Authority, among others.
