Media Houses Join German-Funded Eye Health Project to Reach 3.9m Beneficiaries in Jigawa

Spme Media houses and journalists have pledged to work with the Jigawa State government and the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to promote public awareness and strengthen policymakers’ commitment to ensuring access to effective and inclusive eye healthcare services.

The state government, in collaboration with HANDS Nigeria, engaged some media practitioners to ensure the successful implementation of a comprehensive and inclusive eye health project in the state. The project is funded by BMZ.

The journalists made this commitment at the end of a one-day training on the role of media in promoting sustainable, inclusive eye healthcare reporting, organised by BMZ to build the capacity of working journalists in the state.

They expressed appreciation for the intervention being provided to the people of Jigawa and beyond, which has so far restored the sight of hundreds of people, mostly children and underprivileged individuals.

“Without your intervention, many underprivileged people might have been blind by now. But thanks to your humanitarian efforts, many people can continue to see and avoid becoming permanently disabled,” they said.

“We will keep monitoring the equipment you provided to various health facilities to ensure they are put to use. We will also advocate to the Government to ensure full compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed for the implementation of the project, whose impact is evident in communities across the state,” stated Comrade Zangina, Chairman of the media group.

Speaking at the programme, themed “The Role of Media in Promoting Inclusive Eye Healthcare Services,” HANDS Programme Director, Dr Innocent Emeruwa, said the project implementation commenced on 1 November 2022, with a target of 53,920 direct beneficiaries, including people with disabilities, and 3.9 million indirect beneficiaries across Jigawa State.

He explained that direct beneficiaries include those who received direct medical support from the foundation, such as eye surgery, glasses, and other medications. In contrast, indirect beneficiaries include those who benefit from equipment provided at health facilities, eye health training for nurses, and other interventions that strengthen Jigawa State’s public eye healthcare service delivery.

According to the director, the project aims to deliver integrated eye-care services—including prevention, treatment, referral, and surgery—with particular attention to children and other underserved groups.

Dr Emeruwa maintained that HANDS is confident that the sustainability of the project they executed requires the media’s role for accountability, inclusiveness, and sustainability. “That is what we are strengthening their capacity for, to ensure effective participation in the project,” he said.

In his speech on the occasion, the Chairman of the Jigawa State Eye Health Committee, Dr Usman Abdullahi Hadejia, who Dr Abubakar Abdullahi Guri represented, explained that the project has so far had a significant impact on enhancing eye healthcare service delivery in the state. He promised to sustain the work beyond the donor’s intervention.