Local Governments Urged to Prioritize Child Eye Health

By Anthony Kushaba

Ntungamo

Local governments across the country are being urged to prioritize child eye care to ensure a healthier population. This call comes from Alex Wesomoka, Assistant Commissioner in charge of hospitals and local health units, and the national eye coordinator. Speaking at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Ntungamo district and Light for the World, Wesomoka emphasized the need for concerted efforts to address child eye health.

The memorandum of understanding signals a collaborative effort to improve child eye health over the next three years. In a function held in the district boardroom in Ntungamo, both parties pledged to work together towards this goal. Wesomoka underscored the importance of intervening in child eye health, stressing that it is essential to enable children with eye challenges to reach their full potential.

Commending Light for the World for supplementing government efforts in healthcare, Wesomoka highlighted the significance of such partnerships in ensuring a healthy population. Samuel Muchunguzi Rwakigooba, the Ntungamo district chairperson, emphasized the role of parents in monitoring their children closely and taking them for screenings to detect eye diseases early for timely treatment.

Ntungamo district vice chairperson, Asuman Kigongo, pledged full support to Light for the World, affirming the district's commitment to enhancing child eye care. Rolands Nahabwe, the principal health educator , urged parents to address the issue of nutrition, which affects child eye health.

Fidelis Kiiza the principal assistant secretary, representing the chief administrative officer, commended Light for the World for its efforts in supporting children's eye health.

Lovincer Nantongo, the program manager for child eye health at Light for the World, announced the organization's decision to renew its operations in the district, citing the increasing need for support.

Over the past three years, Light for the World has made significant strides in Ntungamo district, conducting eye screenings for 40,376 pupils, providing refractions for 1,903 pupils, and dispensing spectacles to 241 individuals. The organization has also trained 200 school teachers, 36 members of village health teams, and established 30 vision corridors. Additionally, they have assessed 100 schools and visited 18 health centers, demonstrating their commitment to improving child eye health in the region.