Ex-WHO expert, CBM, FUHSI collaborate to strengthen integrated eye, ear care in Nigeria
…FG sets to integrate sensory care to PHC A former World Health Organisation (WHO) expert, Professor Andrew Smith, in partnership with the Christian Blind Mission (CBM), has collaborated with the
…FG sets to integrate sensory care to PHC
A former World Health Organisation (WHO) expert, Professor Andrew Smith, in partnership with the Christian Blind Mission (CBM), has collaborated with the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, Osun State, to enhance care for patients with vision and hearing impairments.
The initiative is aimed at improving access to integrated, patient-centred services and developing sustainable treatment models.
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The Federal Government also announced plans to integrate sensory healthcare services into Nigeria’s primary healthcare system.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the maiden International Training Workshop on Public Health Planning for Hearing and Vision Impairment (PHPHVI), held at the university campus, Vice Chancellor Professor Akeem Lasisi expressed concern over the rising prevalence of hearing loss and blindness.
He noted that the event marked the first of its kind in Anglophone West Africa, attracting participants from Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, other East African countries, and various Nigerian health institutions, including teaching hospitals.
Lasisi added that the training would equip participants with public health strategies to reduce the incidence of hearing loss and mitigate its impact on affected individuals.
Professor Smith, formerly of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a former WHO Medical Officer, said the workshop now incorporates vision care following a recent WHO resolution supporting integrated sensory healthcare at the primary level.
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He described the three-day programme as a pioneering effort that jointly addresses hearing and vision impairments, signalling a shift in healthcare delivery in Nigeria and globally, with expectations of similar initiatives in the future.
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The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, stressed that while clinical interventions remain important, greater emphasis must be placed on public health planning for wider impact.
Represented by Dr Okolo Oteri, Director and National Coordinator of the National Eye, Ear and Sensory Functions Health Programme, he highlighted the need for data-driven planning, integration of sensory health into primary healthcare, and sustainable programming beyond funding cycles.
CBM Technical Advisor Diego Santana said the organisation works with local partners across states to advance integrated healthcare in support of universal health coverage. He noted that the focus includes improving awareness, reshaping public perception of eye and ear health, and strengthening service delivery across all levels of care.
