BMH launches free 14-day eye camp for 1,000 children
DODOMA: THE Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH) has launched a free 14-day eye medical camp, aiming to provide screening and treatment to 1,000 children under the age of 15 with various vision complications.
Speaking to journalists in Dodoma on Monday, BMH Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Henry Humba said that 100 children requiring surgery for conditions such as cataracts will receive operations at no cost.
“I take this opportunity to invite parents and guardians of children with visual challenges, especially cataracts to bring them in for free screening and specialised eye care. For those needing surgery, the government will fully cover the cost to help restore their vision,” said Dr Humba.
He said that the government has made significant investments in strengthening BMH’s capacity as a zonal referral hospital, enabling it to offer specialised and super-specialised medical services, including advanced ophthalmological care.
BMH ophthalmologist, Dr Amon Mwakakonyole urged parents not to miss this opportunity, saying that early detection greatly improves the effectiveness of treatment in children.
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“Untreated eye conditions can prevent children from reaching their full potential. Vision issues often affect academic performance and future opportunities,” he said.
He cited common symptoms of eye problems in children, including frequent eye rubbing, excessive tearing, unexplained headaches, and difficulty distinguishing colours.
“If you notice any of these signs, bring your child to Benjamin Mkapa Hospital for screening and appropriate treatment,” Dr Mwakakonyole advised.
Dr Mwakakonyole noted that BMH specialists will work in collaboration with experts from other local institutions, including the Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT).
The initiative aligns with a 2023 World Health Organisation (WHO) report, which estimates that at least 2.2 billion people globally suffer from near or distance vision impairment. In 1 billion of those cases, the condition was either preventable or treatable but remains unaddressed.
Refractive errors and cataracts are the leading causes of vision loss globally.
Only 36 per cent of people with vision impairment caused by refractive errors receive the necessary intervention.
For cataracts, the intervention rate drops to 17 per cent. The economic cost of productivity lost due to vision impairment is estimated at 411billion US dollars annually.
Although vision loss affects people of all ages, most cases occur in individuals over 50. However, early intervention in childhood is vital to prevent long-term disability and social exclusion.
The free eye camp at BMH marks a significant step toward bridging this treatment gap and improving child health outcomes in Tanzania.
