Several development partners have pledged to spend more than Sh300 million in eye health care in Meru in the next four years.
The Vision Impact Project, an initiative by Christian Blind Mission (CBM) International, AIC Health Ministries, Kenya Society for the Blind, PEEK, Spark and the Fred Hollows Foundation, has pledged to contribute towards the many affected people in Meru County.
Up-to-date information shows that at least 8000 people are blind, and more than 270,000 others have eye problems in Meru County.
The acting Health Chief Officer in Meru County, Joseph Wahome said the boost will help the county equip the hospitals with necessary items for diagnosis and treatment of eye problems.
“Already, close to 500 people have undergone eye surgery in the last three weeks. We now have an optical shop at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital. Several nurses and clinical officers are being trained on ophthalmology to improve access to eye care,” Dr Wahome said.
The Meru County government has received equipment worth more than Sh30 million to equip the eye care unit at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Speaking during the World Sight Day celebrations in Meru, Dr Michael Gichangi, a representative from the ministry of health highlighted the shortage of eye care workers in Meru.
“The biggest challenge has been the availability of an ophthalmology workforce. Meru has a shortage of six ophthalmologists. Many more health workers are needed in this area. As a ministry, we will support capacity building and recruitment of more specialists because demand for eye care is expected to rise.” Dr Gichangi said.
Dr Gichangi, also the head of ophthalmology at the Ministry of Health said conditions like trachoma and cataracts, which lead to blindness, can be cured and other minor problems managed.
During the same function, Jane Ouma, the Fred Hollows Foundation County director, said there is need to the cost of eye health care.
“Currently, many Kenyans cannot afford eye health care. There is a need to mainstream eye care in the health policies and integrate it into universal health care. This will reduce out-of-pocket expenditure,” Ms Ouma said.