9/10/2026
Qatar Charity (QC), in partnership with the Ministries of Health of Niger and Yobe States in Nigeria and Middle East Clinic Limited, carried out 1,074 eye surgeries that enabled 1,018 vulnerable beneficiaries in northern Nigeria to regain their sight.
The initiative is part of Qatar Charity’s ongoing “Ibsar” (Eyesight) Initiative to combat diseases that cause vision loss, and with the support of generous donors,
The surgeries were conducted under a specialized campaign aimed at combatting preventable blindness and improving access to eye care services. The campaign also provided 270 white canes to visually impaired individuals whose sight could not be restored through surgery.
Consultations and Medication
The campaign benefited 4,000 men, women, children, and elderly people who underwent screening for various eye conditions, while 2,912 beneficiaries received free medication, consultations, and specialized medical advice on eye health.
Among those who benefited from the surgeries were 20 children under the age of 18, including two children below the age of five. Approximately 98% of the surgical procedures addressed cataract-related blindness, while the remaining cases involved other eye conditions.
Reaching Rural Communities
The campaign was implemented in Niger and Yobe States, which have a combined population of approximately 7.87 million people. Many residents, particularly those living in rural and low-income communities, face limited access to specialized healthcare services, including eye care. Cataracts remain one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in northern Nigeria.
The campaign included seven days of community-based eye screenings in each state, followed by surgical interventions at the State Specialist Hospital in Damaturu, Yobe State, and the Dr. Idris Kuta Primary Health Care Centre in Minna, Niger State. Prior to implementation, extensive awareness and community mobilization activities were carried out in coordination with government authorities and community leaders to ensure that services reached the targeted populations.
Sight Is a Right
Mr. Irshad Ali Shekh, Programmes Manager at Qatar Charity’s Nigeria Branch, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to expanding access to healthcare services and improving the lives of vulnerable communities. He stressed that “Sight is a right, not a privilege,” and emphasized Qatar Charity’s continued cooperation with government institutions and partners to strengthen healthcare services and reduce preventable blindness.
The campaign was officially launched in late July 2026 during a ceremony held in Minna, Niger State, attended by Mr. Yakubu Garba, Deputy Governor of Niger State, and Asem Abu Al Shaer, Country Director of Qatar Charity’s Nigeria Branch. During the event, the Deputy Governor praised the strong partnership between the state government and Qatar Charity and commended the organization’s contribution to improving the well-being of local communities. He also reaffirmed the government’s support for Qatar Charity’s humanitarian and development initiatives.
Tangible Impact
The campaign had a tangible impact on beneficiaries’ lives, enabling many to resume their daily, educational, and economic activities. Among them was Usman Muhammad, a 10-year-old boy from Niger State, who regained his sight following a successful operation and is now expected to return to school during the current academic year.
Expressing his gratitude, his father, Muhammad, said:
“My son was not attending school because he had lost his sight. Alhamdulillah, after the surgery, he regained his vision and will soon return to school during the current academic year.”
Through this intervention, Qatar Charity reaffirms its commitment to supporting eye health services in Nigeria and implementing targeted initiatives that help reduce preventable blindness and improve the quality of life of vulnerable communities across the country.