Over 700,000 to benefit from KCMC eye health project
MOSHI: MORE than 700,000 people are expected to benefit from an eye health improvement project to be implemented at the Moshibased KCMC Zonal Referral Hospital (KCMC ZRH).
This was stated over the weekend by KCMC ZRH Executive Director, Prof Gilliard Masenga, during the launch of the project held at the hospital’s premises.
In a statement read on his behalf by Dr Ayeisiga Herman, Prof Masenga said the project, which will run for four and a half years, will be implemented in 10 districts across the regions of Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Manyara.
“The districts include Same, Siha and Rombo in Kilimanjaro Region, Ngorongoro, Longido, Karatu and Monduli in Arusha Region, as well as Simanjiro, Kiteto and Mbulu in Manyara Region,” he noted.
According to him, the targeted groups include 720,000 people who will be screened during the project period, 19,200 individuals who will benefit from low-vision assessment services and 1,920 patients who will receive highquality cataract surgery.
He added that the project, titled ‘Strengthening Inclusive Eye Health Services in Primary and Secondary Health Facilities in the Northern Zone of Tanzania’, will be implemented by KCMC ZRH in collaboration with the Christian Blind Mission (CBM).
“Other stakeholders include the Ministry of Health, the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities) and the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Special Groups,” he said.
In her opening remarks, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Prof Tumaini Nagu, commended KCMC ZRH for introducing the project, noting that it will benefit a large number of people.
“Eye health is not just a medical issue but a key pillar of social and economic development. A nation with good eye health has a productive workforce, children who learn effectively and a society that fully participates in economic activities,” she said in a statement read on her behalf by Kilimanjaro Region’s Acting Regional Medical Officer, Dr Andrew Quaker.
She added that despite advances in science and technology, many people still lose their sight due to preventable or treatable conditions, affecting individuals, families and society at large.
“I am encouraged to hear that this project aims to reach hundreds of thousands of citizens through diagnosis, treatment and surgical services. This is a significant and commendable step,” she said.
Prof Nagu also commended KCMC ZRH, CBM and other stakeholders for their contribution and urged all participants to ensure the project is implemented effectively.
She further called on the public to dispel misconceptions about eye health services and take advantage of the project by seeking early screening, emphasising that prevention is better than cure.
For his part, the project manager, Dr Nickson Mmbwambo, said eye health personnel from 10 district hospitals and 150 primary healthcare facilities will receive specialised training
