The 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 cataract.
Shurkuk stated this during the annual commemoration of the 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, the Plateau State capital.
The Commissioner explained that 77% of the affected persons are in the low and middle-income countries, inclusive and Nigeria and indeed, Plateau State.
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 majority of the causes of blindness is cataract and glaucoma, stressing that these conditions are avoidable.
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 eyes professional, conducting outreach programmes and community screening and collaborating with partners to strengthen eye care system.
The Commissioner further said the ministry will always encourage people to prioritise their eyes health, to seek regular check-ups and support loved ones with visual impairments.
Shurkuk also reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to ensuring that everyone can see the beauty of their world and create a future where vision is valued and sight is cherish.
He urged 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 Programme Coordinator, Dr. Nanshep Gabgab and the representative of HANDS, Abalis Dasat assured of their support by raising awareness on eye care and vision health in the state.
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