Abia State Government has made an urgent call for collective action against harmful traditional eye practices and quackery in eye care.
The call was made during a symposium held in Umuahia on Thursday by the state government to commemorate this year’s world sight day.
Speaking at the event held at the JAAC Secretariat, themed “Love Your Eyes, Vision for All”, the Governor, Dr Alex Otti, emphasised the need for united efforts in promoting eye health.
“What is being done today is to get to the point where we take action collectively to ensure that both individually and communally, we safeguard the eye health of our people and prevent blindness,” Otti stated.
Represented by Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, the Governor underscored his administration’s commitment to healthcare and welfare of Abia residents evident through sector reforms including infrastructural rejuvenation, human resource upgrades and improved remuneration packages for healthcare workers.
“The health of our people remains a key component of my administration,” Otti affirmed, adding that eye healthcare services are gradually being extended to grassroots communities.
He appreciated efforts of the Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau and the State Ministry of Health in advancing eye health initiatives.
Administrator of Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau, Dr. Mrs. Betty Emeka-Obasi highlighted the significance of World Sight Day noting it’s a day to spotlight eye health and disclosed this year’s celebration marked the 10th anniversary of the global event.
“This year’s celebration is a remarkable one as it marks the 10th anniversary of World Sight Day,” Obasi said.
Dr. Obasi revealed that under Governor Otti’s administration, Abia State has consistently commemorated World Sight Day through various activities including distribution of free glasses, counselling and free eye screenings.
“We have taken free eye screening to public schools and trained teachers on early detection of eye challenges in school children,” she stated.
Calling on traditional rulers, clergy and stakeholders to partner with the government on sensitization campaigns on eye health embracing “Love Your Eyes” as a mantra.
“Today, we conclude the commemoration with this symposium themed ‘Prioritising Eye Health, a Collective Approach’,” Obasi announced.
“We have served 15,110 patients, delivered 11,000 free screenings, and performed 2,000 life-changing surgeries through partnerships with ANPA, the NNPC Foundation, and our state government.”
Delivering a keynote address, Deputy Vice Chancellor Abia State University (Academics), Professor Emmanuel Esenwah lauded Governor Otti’s approaches towards tackling eye challenges in Abia State.
Esenwah highlighted obstacles to accessing eye care including shortages of trained eye care workers and harmful practices while pointing out strategies to enhance eye care such as health promotion, early detection, healthy lifestyles and increasing numbers of trained health workers in Nigeria.
“Eyesight is critically important, about 1.2 billion people worldwide are visually impaired,” Esenwah stressed.
THE WHISTLER reports that the symposium featured panel discussions by medical professionals alongside free eye screenings, distribution of glasses and counselling services to over 400 patients attracting numerous stakeholders.
