Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become an integral part of businesses worldwide, with a growing emphasis on initiatives that promote social wellbeing. One crucial aspect of CSR is that it must impact its beneficiaries in a sustainability manner over a long period of time, while also growing positive reputation capital for the organisation.
Initiatives that cover issues in the health sector play pivotal roles in addressing critical healthcare challenges faced by communities, particularly in the sub-urban and rural communities that lack access to proper healthcare facilities and personnel. By investing in health initiatives, corporations are able to contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. These programmes help bridge gaps in access to healthcare, promote disease prevention, and improve the overall health infrastructure of these communities in need. Furthermore, such initiatives align with a company’s mission, enhance its reputation, and foster a positive relationship with stakeholders.
The ‘Eye Can See’ programme, initiated by Seplat Energy Plc in partnership with NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, is a notable example of a much sort-after healthcare intervention, which focuses on eye care, visual aid, and surgical treatments for cataracts, glaucoma and other eye-related issues in Edo and Delta states, Nigeria. The programme also emphasises on preventive measures and the management of underlying health conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
The primary objective of the ‘Eye Can See’ programme is to provide quality healthcare to host communities and reduce cases of permanent vision loss. Through a multi-faceted approach, the programme aims to deliver eye surgeries, distribute free optical treatments and reading glasses, screen patients for underlying health conditions, and provide health education to participants. By targeting all age groups and genders, the programme ensures inclusivity and addresses the specific needs of diverse communities.
The success of these intervention programmes often depend on effective implementation strategies and strategic partnerships. Seplat Energy Plc collaborates with reputable medical practitioners, like the Family Health Outreach Association and the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, to deliver high-quality eye care services. Additionally, their partnership with NNPC Exploration and Production Limited showcases the importance of collaboration between the private sector and government entities to achieve sustainable impact.
Since its inception in 2012, the ‘Eye Can See’ programme has made significant impacts on the communities in Edo and Delta States. Over the course of 12 years, the programme has screened over 96,000 patients, provided reading glasses to more than 45,000 individuals, and performed 4,218 successful eye surgeries. These numbers reflect the tangible benefits received by beneficiaries, including restored vision, improved employability, and enhanced economic prospects for individuals and their families.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of these initiatives, continuous evaluation and adaptation are essential. Seplat Energy Plc demonstrates its commitment to the ‘Eye Can See’ programme by setting ambitious goals for future interventions, including serving 90 communities through 13 centers in 2023. The company also highlights the importance of technological advancements, such as laser technology, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of eye surgeries.
The success of Seplat Energy’s ‘Eye Can See’ programme provides valuable insights for other organisations considering healthcare initiatives. Key lessons include the significance of community engagement, collaboration with local partners, customisation of programmes to address specific healthcare needs, and leveraging technology for improved outcomes. By adopting these best practices, companies can maximize the impact of their healthcare intervention programmes.
Speaking during the programme, the Director, External Affairs and Sustainability, Chioma Afe, said that the Seplat/ NNPC E&P ‘Eye Can See’ CSR programme aligns with the pursuit of good health and well-being which is what the UN Sustainability Development Goal (SDG) 3, which demonstrates Seplat Energy commitment to global best practices.
Afe added: “Since the inception of the programme in 2012, the lives of many in our host communities and other areas have been richly impacted. A total of 96,411 patients have been screened; 45,074 reading glasses have been dispensed; and 4,218 surgeries performed. And the 2023 edition, which was flagged off at the Oba’s Palace Benin, will further boost these numbers. About 90 communities will be served using 13 centres across Edo and Delta states.”
“With this, we are able to impact communities and families. People that were hitherto blind can see now; and they can go out and do work to earn a living. This is one of the indirect impacts of the programme.”
In his remarks, the Director, New Energy, Seplat Energy, Effiong Okon, expressed gratitude to NNPC E&P Limited and other stakeholders involved in making the initiative a success. “We extend our sincere appreciation to the Oba of Benin Palace, the government of Edo and Delta states, and NNPC E&P Limited for their unwavering support. Their collaboration has been instrumental in ensuring the success of the ‘Eye Can See’ Initiative over the years,” Okon said.
He added that Seplat Energy and its partners will continue to work to boost the impacts of the programme leveraging relevant technologies and other resources whist appealing to the company’s host communities to always support its operations. “As you know, at Seplat Energy, we are purpose driven, we are here to serve and to give back to the society. And on that note, please we will like to continue to bank on your support going forward as you’ve always done. We anticipate that this intervention will continue and even outlive all of us.”
Whilst delivering his goodwill message, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, represented by Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, the Esere of Benin Kingdom, thanked Seplat Energy and partners for the delivery of the programme, which he noted had been consistent over the years.
“We thank Seplat Energy ad its partners for the constant featuring of this Eye Can See programme, which has tremendously helped my people. We can only urge you to continue in this light,” the Oba said.
In his message, the Managing Director, NNPC E&P Limited, Ali Zarah represented by the Deputy Manager Corporate Communicatons, Ajakaye Emily Ladi, expressed gratitude for the support received from the host communities and extended its appreciation to Seplat Energy for the partnership in implementing the ‘Eye Can See programme for 12 years. He said the collaboration between the two entities is aimed at enhancing eye care and visual aid services, including surgical treatments for various eye challenges within the operational communities.
The Eye Can See programme delivers on the initial promise to provide professional health care to the communities; provides a platform for managing and referring patients living with hypertension and diabetes; provides free optical treatment at all levels to members of the communities; prevents and reduces cases of permanent loss of vision; provides free reading glasses; treat other eye related diseases; educate patients on ways to care for the eyes and how to detect Cataracts and Glaucoma; and educate patients on the lifestyle change to reduce the rates of hypertension and diabetes.
Mr. Lucky Owvie and Mr. Alfred Obasuyi, who were beneficiaries of the programme expressed their gratitude to Seplat Energy for the opportunity to receive treatment and regain their vision. They lauded the company’s efforts in improving their lives and commended the ‘Eye Can See’ Initiative for its remarkable impact.
Even as the ‘Eye Can See’ Initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3, focusing on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages, Seplat Energy Plc and its partners remain committed to driving social development, fostering local entrepreneurship, and improving healthcare and education in the communities they operate in.
Seplat Energy Plc continues to demonstrate its dedication to corporate social responsibility by leveraging its resources and expertise to positively impact the lives of community members. The company looks forward to sustaining and expanding the ‘Eye Can See’ Initiative in the coming years, with a focus on utilising cutting-edge technology to further enhance eye care and treatment services.
Health-focused CSR programmes have the power to transform lives, promote sustainable development, and contribute to the well-being of communities. Through the case study of Seplat Energy Plc’s ‘Eye Can See’ programme, we can see the significance, implementation strategies, and outcomes of such initiatives. By investing in health CSR programmes, corporations can leave a lasting positive impact on individuals, families, and society as a whole, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more prosperous world.
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