Plateau govt urges residents to regularly undergo eye screening

The Plateau Government has called on residents to regularly go for eye screening to curtail the spread of eye related diseases in the state.

Dr Cletus Bako, the state’s Commissioner for Health made the call during a road walk organised to commemorate the 2024 World Sight Day, on Friday in Jos.

Bako was represented by Mr Timothy Gayi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry.

The commissioner explained that the state government recognised the importance of quality sight toward empowering individuals and communities in general.

According to him, the Caleb Mutfwang-led administration has developed sustainable strategy toward addressing the rising cause of avoidable blindness in the state.

He added that the state government was collaborating with some development partners toward addressing the causes of blindess, particularly in rural communities.

“The Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) survey conducted in 2023 in Plateau shows a blindness prevalence rate of 2.7 per cent.

“This is higher than the 0.7 per cent national prevalence rate.

“Majority of the causes of blindness are cataract and glaucoma, and these conditions are avoidable through regular screening.

“To tackle this menace, we have established a robust network of eye care services with well-equipped referral centres.

“There is also the training of eye care professionals and collaboration with partners to strengthen the system, ”he said.
Bako said that the theme of the 2024 celebration, “Love Your Eyes Kids”, emphasised the importance of priotising eye health in children.

He added that the theme also resonated a deeper commitnent toward ensuring accessible and quality eye care for all citizens of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised in collaboration with Sightsavers Nigeria and and Christian Blind Mission (CBM), both leading organisations advocating for quality eye health services in the state.