The Nigerian Federal Government has announced the significant expansion of its eye care initiative, JigiBola 2.0, to eight new states including Edo, Enugu, Nasarawa, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, and Taraba. This initiative is part of a larger effort to ensure that affordable eye health services are accessible to a greater segment of the population, particularly in rural areas where such services have been historically limited. The formal announcement was made during a launch event held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, highlighting the collaborative efforts of health sector leaders, government officials, and various stakeholders.

JigiBola 2.0 operates under the National Eye, Ear and Sensory Functions Health Programme and is supported by the Clinton Health Access Initiative. Funding for this program comes from the Livelihood Impact Fund and Founders Pledge, emphasizing the coalition of public and private partners aimed at improving healthcare accessibility. The initiative is particularly focused on integrating eye care services with primary healthcare, thereby reinforcing the provision of essential services such as reading glasses for those suffering from presbyopia, which is commonly experienced by individuals as they age.

The expansion signifies a formidable commitment from the government to tackle vision-related health issues in Nigeria, which remain pressing in the context of overall healthcare. By addressing the needs of populations in more states, the initiative not only enhances public health but also potentially helps reduce the socio-economic burden associated with untreated vision problems. This marks a crucial step towards improving the quality of life for many Nigerians, aligning with global health objectives and underscoring the importance of comprehensive health initiatives.