With statistics by the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicating that about 90 per cent of all blind people live in developing world, and that most of these cases of blindness are caused by cataracts, which can be avoided and treated, it is no doubt a health issue which developing countries, including Nigeria must give attention to.

 

This is as available information suggests that about one million Nigerians are estimated to be blind and another 3.1 million said to be living with one form of visual impairment or the other.

 

Sadly, these individuals conduct their day-to-day activities with significant difficulty, and the overwhelming majority of them do not have access to proper treatment or facilities.

 

It is in this regards that MTN Foundation, through its Eyesight Restoration Intervention Scheme (MTNF EyeRIS), has identified this issue and has continued to lend their support to the eradication of cataract, which is a major cause of blindness among Nigerians.

 

The project, which is part of the Foundation’s health intervention initiative, is endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Health and the sister ministries in the benefitting states for improved quality of lives.

 

“I believe the Foundation will subsist with the determination of the parent company to continue to contribute to the Foundation to improve the lives of the good people of Nigeria. The sustenance is also predicated on MTN Nigeria’s continuous improvement and success as a business, so it can continue to donate the required one per cent of its profit after tax to the activities of the Foundation,” said the Chairman, MTN Nigeria Board, Dr. Pascal Dozie, while speaking about sustenance of the MTNF in a recent interview.

 

 

According to recent reports, over 11 billion naira has been invested by the Foundation since the past 10 years, and about 50,650 persons have benefitted from it since inception.

 

With over three million people suffering from cataracts and without access to healthcare, the intervention by the Foundation has definitely changed the lives of the beneficiaries, as they can now not only dare to dream but also to see a brighter future for themselves and to contribute meaningfully to the society at large. 

 

According to Dr. Dozie, “We subscribe to the philosophy that the best business is that which employs a win-win approach, such that as the company grows; it simultaneously contributes to the sustainability of the socio-economic development of its environment. For us at MTN Nigeria, there is really no other way to do good business than to do it responsibly. Underpinning all of our operations is a carefully woven thread of commitment. It is a commitment to acting responsibly to impact our society - the Nigerian society.

 

“This is why MTN has committed voluntary contributions of one per cent of its profit after tax, to the Foundation for the execution of projects that are in the interest and directly benefit its stakeholders and communities across Nigeria.

 

“Indeed, the success of Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives is measured by the impact and sustainability of the projects on the host communities. The beneficiaries of the MTNF EyeRIS have the sight for life; that is sustainability,” he said.

 

According to the Executive Secretary, MTNF, Nonny Ugboma,  MTNF EyeRIS project is just one of the many projects under the health portfolio of MTN Foundation, with other notable projects under this portfolio including the Medical Support Project (MSP), the Annual MTNF Community Health Screening project and the MTNF Sickle Cell Project.

 

He said the Foundation also invests in education and economic empowerment portfolio across the country and so far, adding that they have invested over $56 million or (N10 billion) in carrying out projects in 344 sites across the 36 states of Nigeria and the FCT.

 

The Executive Secretary, advised other corporate organisations in Nigeria to further explore ways of helping people in the country the same way the Foundation has done. “I believe that a healthy Nigeria is a better Nigeria. We believe in partnering and complementing the efforts of the government in developing the nation. Hence, the private sector has an important role to play.

 

“What MTNF has been doing in the last 10 years is commendable. That is why other companies should borrow a leaf from it and complement government’s efforts in improving the quality of lives in the Nigerian society,” she said.

 

By Martins Ifijeh

This Day