The North East Development Commission (NEDC), in collaboration with the Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation, has concluded a transformative medical outreach that brought free eye care services to thousands of residents across six Local Government Areas in Taraba State.

The program, which kicked off in Jalingo on 16th December 2024 and rounded off in Gembu on 26th February 2025, extended its services to communities in Jalingo, Ibi, Wukari, Yorro, Gassol, and Sardauna local governments.

During the outreach, the medical team attended to 6,435 patients, many of whom had been living with untreated eye conditions. In addition, 712 life-changing surgeries were successfully performed, covering cataract, pterygium, and other minor procedures, and 3,157 prescription glasses were distributed to improve vision and daily functionality.

The initiative reflects the shared commitment of NEDC and Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation to reducing the burden of preventable blindness, especially in underserved communities where access to quality healthcare is limited.

According to the organizers, beyond restoring sight, the outreach also restored hope, enabling beneficiaries to return to education, work, and family life with renewed confidence and productivity.

The success of this program stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in driving sustainable health interventions and improving the well-being of citizens across the north-east Nigeria.