In the first year of the Effective Spectacle Coverage Initiative Nigeria, also known as Jigi Bola 2.0, a total of 1,444,581 Nigerians have benefited from free reading glasses provided by the Federal Government. This initiative, announced by Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, is aligned with the president's commitment to distribute five million pairs of eyeglasses to those in need. The program is designed to enhance access to eye care for the population, particularly those aged 40 and above, who are more vulnerable to vision impairments.

The initiative has successfully screened over 1.5 million Nigerians through a collaborative effort with the Clinton Health Access Initiative, under the National Eye, Ear and Sensory Functions Programme. This large-scale screening and distribution of reading glasses emphasize the importance of addressing vision health as part of broader public health goals in Nigeria. Notably, the program targets areas where access to eye care is limited, ensuring that those who need assistance receive it.

Dr. Salako's briefing at the State House in Abuja highlights the government's proactive approach to health issues affecting its citizens and signifies the potential for improving quality of life through better vision. The ongoing commitment to achieving the goal of five million glasses indicates a sustained effort in health policy that could serve as a model for similar initiatives in other sectors.