10,378 residents benefit from eye health services in Lindi
LINDI: A total of 10,378 residents from six districts in the Lindi region have benefited from a recent eye health campaign, with 9,690 of them undergoing examinations and receiving treatment, officials have revealed.
Dr. Sharifu Hamza, speaking on behalf of the Medical Officer of Lindi Regional Referral Hospital, made the announcement on October 10th during a regional eye health commemoration held at Sokoine Hospital.
The week-long campaign, which took place from October 4th to 10th, was supported by the Heart to Heart Foundation from Korea, CBM, and the Korea Church.
The initiative involved providing eye health education, examinations, and treatment to residents across the region, including visits to schools in all six districts to address eye health challenges.
Dr. Sharifu emphasized the importance of the campaign, stating that it has been a major relief for the region. He also noted that eye care services would continue to be available at Sokoine Hospital even after the campaign had concluded.
“The campaign has encouraged young people and children to prioritize their eye health, while also calling on the international community to enhance its commitment to delivering quality eye care services for youth,” he said.
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Edward Aloyce, a project officer from the Heart to Heart Foundation, urged parents and guardians to make a habit of bringing their children for eye checkups at Sokoine Hospital, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.
Dr. Mwacha Machaja, an ophthalmologist at Lindi Regional Referral Hospital, pointed out that eye problems can arise from various factors such as age, accidents, malnutrition, infections, and birth-related conditions. He stressed that in the Lindi region, poor nutrition is a leading cause of eye health issues.
One resident, Asha Matola, shared her experience of seeking further examination after suffering from long-term eye problems, expressing her confidence in receiving proper treatment.
