World Sight Day: 43m Persons Blind Worldwide –Dr Shurkuk

Plateau State commissioner for health Dr. Cletus Shurkuk has disclosed that the World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics of  2020 indicate that more than 43 million people are blind worldwide while 55 percent of blind cases are due to cataracts .

Dr Shurkuk stated this during the annual commemoration of World Sight Day with the theme ‘Love your eyes kids’ in conjunction with CBN, HANDS, Brien Holden, with support from Standard Chartered, held at the concert hall Ministry of Health Jos.

He explained that 77% are in low—and middle-income countries, Nigeria, and Plateau State, inclusive. He added that the recently conducted Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness prevalence rate (RAAB) survey (2023) in the State shows a blindness prevalence rate of 2.7 %, which is higher than the 0.7% National prevalence rate.

Dr. Shurkuk further argued that the majority of the causes of blindness are cataracts and glaucoma, stressing that all these conditions are avoidable. They recognise the importance of Sight in empowering individuals, communities, and the State as a whole.

According to him, Plateau State has made significant strides by establishing a robust network of eye care services with well-equipped referral Centres, training and equipping eye care professionals, conducting outreach programs and community screening, and collaborating with partners to strengthen the eye care system.

The commissioner further said the ministry would always encourage people to prioritise their eye health, seek regular check-ups, and support loved  ones with visual impairments.

He also reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring everyone can see the beauty of their world and creating a future where vision is valued and sight is treasured, urging the people of the state to strive for a future where every individual can enjoy the gift of Sight and reach their full potential.

In their separate remarks at the occasion, the CBM program coordinator, Dr. Nanshep Gabgab and the representative of HANDS, Abalis Dasat, all assured of their support by raising awareness on eye care and vision health in the state.