The Redeemers’ Aids Initiative for People and Community (RAPAC), the charity arm of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, in partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative, has provided free eye screenings in Gombe State.
The five-day medical outreach, held across five communities in four Local Government Areas, screened 1,622 residents. Out of those screened, 1,420 received free reading glasses, while others were referred for further medical care.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on Monday in Nasarawo community, Gombe LGA, RAPAC Coordinator, Mr Jones Oyemade, said the initiative aimed to reach underserved communities and enhance access to essential eye care services in the state.
“We planned to screen more than 5,000 individuals, but turnout was slightly lower than expected. However, we still have sufficient reading glasses available to support more beneficiaries in upcoming outreach programmes,” Oyemade stated.
Pastor Joshua David, Pastor-in-Charge of RCCG Gombe Province Two, described the programme as a practical demonstration of God’s love, noting that the inclusive turnout highlighted people’s genuine need for accessible eye health support.
“This outreach reflects RCCG’s wider humanitarian vision. Our General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, continuously supports hospitals nationwide by donating medical equipment to improve health and well-being across Nigerian communities,” David noted.
Mr Tamka Tammy, Focal Person for the Gombe State Presbyopia Programme under CHAI, said the collaboration with RAPAC had greatly improved access to eye care services for residents.
According to him, 231 healthcare workers were trained across Gombe’s 11 LGAs.
“Each Local Government now hosts seven health facilities equipped to screen and dispense reading glasses to adults aged 40 and above,” he said.
Tammy added that more than 59,000 free reading glasses had been distributed across Gombe State since December 2024, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s initiative to distribute one million free reading glasses nationwide.
He encouraged residents to take advantage of eye care support from government and partner organisations and urged more stakeholders to contribute towards reducing preventable vision problems in communities across Nigeria.
(NAN)
