The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa Chipinge Correspondent
GOVERNMENT in conjunction with some developmental partners has launched the Rapid of Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) programme which aims to improve eye health services in the country.
The programme, which was launched in Chipinge district on Wednesday, also seeks to provide evidence based information to Government for policy guidance and programming on eye health care services.
Speaking during the launch, provincial medical director Dr Patron Mafaune said one of the key results of RAAB was to establish a functional national health information system and promote research on eye health.
“The launch of the RAAB in Manicaland is the first step towards providing evidence based information on eye health,” she said.
“Also plans are underway to conduct another RAAB in Masvingo and Mashonaland East provinces with support from Standard Chartered Bank, Zimbabwe Council for the Blind and Christian Mission.
“The results of the RAAB, which were endorsed by Ministry of Health and Child Care last year show that the prevalence of blindness in Manicaland in people aged 50 years or older is estimated at 2.7 percent. The major causes of blindness were noted to be untreated cataract. This reflects great need for eye health services in the province. Bilateral blindness in Manicaland is at 94 percent and is considered avoidable. 67 percent is considered treatable.
“This gives us the much needed hope as we develop strategies to address the burden of blindness and promote positive preventive practices to avoid needless blindness,” she said.
Dr Mafaune applauded the Government for meeting the bills of blind patients.
“I understand that the cost is a major barrier in accessing eye health services. We are glad that Government and its partners have put their heads together and agreed on subsidised fees to help to improve access to eye health services.
“In addition, Government is committed to providing free eye health services for people above 65 and children below five years. Also our partners have supported with the training nurses and village workers in a bid to dispel fears and myths that prohibits health seeking behaviour when it comes to issues of eye health,” she added.
