Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government on Tuesday strengthened its drive toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with a major leap in preventing avoidable blindness, as the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global eye-health technology leader, Peek Vision.
The agreement, signed at the Minister of State’s Conference Room in Abuja, establishes a nationwide partnership to deploy digital eye-screening tools, enhance primary healthcare capacity and promote real-time data-driven decision-making across Nigeria’s eye-health system. According to a statement signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director/Head, Press and Public Relations, the MoU represents a strategic effort to close Nigeria’s eye-care gaps.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the partnership as “a crucial milestone in our collective journey toward achieving Universal Health Coverage.”
He noted that millions of Nigerians continue to suffer preventable visual impairment caused by cataract, uncorrected refractive errors and glaucoma—conditions often aggravated by limited access to eye care, especially in rural and underserved communities.
“We are embracing the digital revolution,” he said. “Peek Vision has created simple, scalable tools that can turn a smartphone into a medical device, enabling healthcare workers, teachers and community agents to conduct accurate screening and connect patients to timely treatment, even in remote communities.”
The partnership centres on three key components: large-scale digital screening supported by strong national data systems; training and capacity building for primary healthcare workers and teachers; and a complete, sustainable referral and treatment pathway that ensures no screened patient is left behind.
Dr. Salako described the agreement as “a covenant for a healthier future,” aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, the National Health Policy, and the National Strategic Eye Health Development Plan. He pledged that the Ministry would provide policy oversight, infrastructure and skilled personnel to guarantee effective implementation.
Representing the Permanent Secretary, Kachallom Daju, mni, Director of Public Health, Dr. Godwin Ntadom, said the MoU mirrors the Ministry’s strategy to reinforce primary healthcare using technology-driven, high-impact solutions. He said the partnership is more than a document but a collaborative blueprint to expand access to eye-care services, especially for underserved populations.
Addressing journalists, Peek Vision CEO, Prof. Andrew Bastawrous, said the technology enables health workers to reach people who rarely visit health facilities due to cost, fear or lack of awareness.
He explained that many in rural communities do not know they can be treated or where to seek help. With Peek tools, screening can take place at homes, schools or workplaces, ensuring people receive care without waiting for them to visit a clinic.
He highlighted how Peek’s digital data platform identifies barriers to treatment, monitors referrals and ensures patients receive complete care. He recalled a previous programme where data revealed that a mistranslation—from “surgery” to “butchery”—discouraged patients from seeking help. He noted that nearly 25 million Nigerians could see improvements if the technology is scaled nationwide.
Implementation begins immediately, supported by partners including Sightsavers, CBN and Manhattan. A new initiative is already screening 5,000 people and aims to reach 1.2 million schoolchildren within two years.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. Oteri Okolo, National Coordinator of the National Eye, Ear and Sensory Functions Programme Division, praised the collaboration as a decisive move toward preventing avoidable blindness. She expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister, Peek Vision, development partners, the media and the Ministry’s technical and legal teams.
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She said the ceremony marked the beginning of a purposeful journey to advance eye health for the greater good of the nation.
With the partnership, the Federal Government says Nigeria is investing not just in technology, but in dignity, productivity and opportunity for millions at risk of vision loss.
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