The Glaucoma Patient Association of Ghana in collaboration with Ophthalmological Society of Ghana and the Ministry of Health has launched the 2024 World Glaucoma Week under the theme “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World”. The week long celebration began on 10th and will continue until 16th March. The programme which is part of the activities to mark the World Glaucoma Week, brought stakeholders together to create awareness on risk factors of glaucoma, the importance of early detection of glaucoma and advocate for regular screening of the eye.
In his welcome address, Mr Harrison Kofi Abutiate, the National President of Glaucoma Patient Association of Ghana and Vice President of the World Glaucoma Patient Association, disclosed that despite yearly efforts to raise awareness about glaucoma, the situation has not improved as expected. He highlighted that due to the absence of symptoms associated with glaucoma, individuals would have lost their vision by the time they report it. The association therefore sought to involve all eye care facilities throughout Ghana in offering free public eye screenings during World Glaucoma Week celebrations to enable Ghanaians everywhere access this service. Additionally, he expressed concern over taxes on eye medication and equipment which make treatment expensive for those with poor eye health. He took advantage of this opportunity to appeal for financial and material support from NGOs and corporate organizations alike. Furthermore, Mr Abutiate revealed that local manufacturing of high-quality eyecare products had commenced in Ghana and called for patronage accordingly. Lastly, he urged both glaucoma patients and their relatives to undergo regular check-ups for early detection.
Meanwhile, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye – Director-General of the Service – reported that according to a 2015 survey on blindness in Ghana; glaucoma accounts for more than 19% cases resulting in permanent blindness – making it an important cause thereof – hence translating into 1 out 5 people blind from glaucoma. Based on these disconcerting statistics among other things; Ministry of Health officials together with partners within the country’s healthcare sector take part every year alongside international communities observing Glaucoma Week Celebration as a means towards better understanding while working towards finding solutions through multifaceted approaches.
He discussed the expansion of the wellness clinic concept to encompass awareness creation and screening for glaucoma. He also revealed that the Service has fostered deeper partnerships with eye health stakeholders in both private and development partner sectors, aimed at financing free eye screening over a medium to long-term period. This is complemented by an increased drive to train and recruit more eyecare professionals, thereby expanding geographical access to eye care services. He urged both those living with the disease and those without it to undergo regular checkups for early detection, reducing the level of damage caused.
As a guest of honor, Her Excellency Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, a former First Lady of Ghana, highlighted the global prevalence of Glaucoma and underscored the importance of awareness and early detection in mitigating its impact. She emphasized that by working together, individuals could be empowered with knowledge about glaucoma, promote regular eye screenings and advocate for accessible and effective treatments. Furthermore, she called for reduced prices on glaucoma medications to ensure their affordability for all.
Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, through Dr. Mavis Sakyi, Director of Public Health and Health Promotion, emphasized the significance of educating communities on the necessity of regular eye examinations for those at higher risk of developing glaucoma. She stressed early detection as vital in preventing avoidable vision loss and urged healthcare providers, development partners, advocates for eye health and all other stakeholders to unite in combatting glaucoma. The Minister called for collaborations towards innovative solutions, investment in research and advocacy for policies that prioritize eye health.
SOURCE: Public Relations UNIT, GHS
