Zambia: Ministry of Health has joined the global community in celebrating the World Sight Day. The aim of the celebration is to highlight the country’s progress and challenges they have faced in eye healthcare.
Minister of Health Elijah Muchima was represented by Director Clinical Care and Diagnosis, Dr Lisulu Walubita during the celebration. The Minister said World Sight Day serves as a reminder of the government’s collective responsibility to ensure everyone has access to quality eye care.
According to Minister Muchima, the country has made significant strides in eye healthcare. He cited examples of establishing eye care clinics in some districts across the country. The Minister has also sponsored medical Doctors to specialize in Ophthalmology.
He also highlighted some challenges in eye care services that the country has ben struggling with. One of these issues is Limited Human Resources, having only 58 Ophthalmologists in Zambia serving about 20 million people.
“The theme for this year’s World Sight Day, “Love Your Eyes, Kid” emphasizes the importance of prioritizing eye health and addressing avoidable blindness.” Muchima said.
University Teaching Hospital Eye Care Medical Superintendent, Zipporah Phiri disclosed that this week is dedicated to screening and treating children from community schools.
Dr Phiri said that the hospital prides itself in leading efforts to provide quality eye care services and training to ensure every Zambian access the eyecare they need.
Cooperating partners representative, Orbis International Country Director, Lucia Mvula stated that the prevalence of blindness is estimated to be 2% giving an approximate of 389,200 blind people, with the major causes of blindness being cataract in the country.
Mvula added that vision loss has a significant impact on better education outcomes, better employment prospects, quality of life and poverty among others.
“It is for this reason that as Eye care partners, we are committed to supporting the Government in delivering quality, clean, caring-and competent eye health services.” said Mrs Mvula.
Amon Banda who suffered from Squint eyes is grateful to the government for continued efforts to improve eyecare services that are limited in Zambia.
World Sight Day is observed every year on the second Thursday of October.