The Glaucoma Patients Association of Ghana in partnership with the Ophthalmological Society of Ghana and the Ministry of Health launched World Glaucoma Week 2024 with the theme ‘United for a Glaucoma Free World’. The weekly celebration began on the 10thu and will continue until the 16thu March. The programme, which is part of activities to celebrate World Glaucoma Week, brought together stakeholders to raise awareness of glaucoma risk factors, the importance of early detection of glaucoma and support for regular eye check-ups.
In his welcome address, Mr. Harrison Kofi Abutiate, the National President of the Ghana Glaucoma Association and Vice President of the World Glaucoma Association, disclosed that despite annual efforts to raise awareness about glaucoma, the situation has not improved as expected . He pointed out that due to the absence of symptoms associated with glaucoma, people would have lost their vision by the time they reported it. The association therefore sought to involve all eye care facilities across Ghana in offering free screenings to the public during the World Glaucoma Week celebrations to enable Ghanaians everywhere to access this service. He also expressed concern about taxes on eye drugs and equipment making treatment expensive for people with poor eye health. He used this opportunity to appeal for financial and material support from both NGOs and corporate organizations. In addition, Mr. Abutiate disclosed that local production of high quality eye care products had started in Ghana and called for similar support. Finally, he urged both glaucoma patients and their relatives to undergo regular check-ups for early diagnosis.
Meanwhile, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye – Director General of the Agency – reported that according to a 2015 survey on blindness in Ghana, Glaucoma accounts for more than 19% of cases resulting in permanent blindness – making it a significant cause of – and therefore translates into 1 in 5 blind people from glaucoma. Based on these alarming statistics, among others; Ministry of Health officials along with the country’s healthcare partners join the international communities every year in celebrating Glaucoma Week as a means of better understanding while working to find solutions through multifaceted approaches.
He discussed expanding the concept of clinical wellness to include glaucoma awareness and screening. He also revealed that the Service has promoted deeper partnerships with stakeholders in both the private and development sectors, with the aim of funding free eye screening in the medium to long term. This is complemented by an increased effort to train and recruit more eye care professionals, thereby expanding geographic access to eye care services. He urged both those living with the disease and those without it to get regular check-ups for early diagnosis, reducing the level of damage caused.
As the guest of honour, Her Excellency Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, former First Lady of Ghana, highlighted the global prevalence of glaucoma and emphasized the importance of awareness and early detection to mitigate its effects. He emphasized that by working together, people could gain knowledge about glaucoma, promote regular eye exams and advocate for accessible and effective treatments. In addition, he called for a reduction in the prices of glaucoma drugs to ensure their affordability for all.
Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, through Dr. Mavis Sakyi, Director of Public Health and Health Promotion, emphasized the importance of educating communities about the need for regular eye exams for those at higher risk of developing glaucoma. He highlighted early detection as vital to preventing preventable vision loss and urged healthcare providers, development partners, eye health advocates and all other stakeholders to unite in the fight against glaucoma. The minister called for partnerships for innovative solutions, investment in research and advocacy for policies that prioritize eye health.
SOURCE: PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT, GHS