435 people to benefit from Trachoma treatment in Kibaha

COAST REGION: MORE than 435 people will benefit from Trachoma treatment in Kibaha District, Coast Region.

This was said by the Sightsavers Non-Prioritised Diseases Project Manager, Mr Peter Kivumbi during the launch of the campaign to eradicate trachoma in Kibaha DC recently.

Sightsavers is an international organisation which works with partners to protect sight and fight for disability rights.

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Mr Kivumbi said that the project which is set to cost 755.1m/-, will be carried out house to house to provide treatment to the existing patients and those who will be diagnosed with the disease.

“Through this project we will provide treatment to patients who were diagnosed with the challenge during the screening conducted recently in the region,” said Kivumbi.

Mr Kivumbi said that the treatment will be provided free of charge.

In addition, he said that the main activity is the treatment that will be given to all people from the age of 15 onwards, where those who will be diagnosed will undergo a minor operation.

On his part, the eye coordinator for the Coast Region, Dr Eligreater Mnzavas said that trachoma is spread by flies due to dirty environment.

Mzavas said the disease has five main symptoms including red eyes, itching, tearing, swelling of the eyes above the eyelids and the eyelids scratching the glass of the eye and causing blindness if there is no treatment.

The Kibaha District Executive Director (DED), Ms Regina Bieda said that the project will help provide treatment to the patients and probably give an awareness on how to protect themselves from the scourge.

Bieda said that the Council is well organised to ensure that all citizens receive treatment to deal with the disease for the council citizens.