By Chisomo Phiri
Health officials say over 1.7 million people in the country have eye challenges of which 69,000 of are blind.
This was revealed yesterday during Word Sight Day commemoration.
However, Ministry of health spokesperson Adrian Chikumbe said this is a public health issue the country should be worried about.
Chikumbe attributed the increase in number to shortage of Ophthalmologists as the country has 10 against a population of over 20 million contrary to World Health Organisation’s recommendations.
On his part, Malawi Union of the Blind (MUB) Executive Director (ED) Ezekiel Kumwenda pleaded for financial support to enhance their eye screening initiatives across the country.
“By supporting MUB, you will contribute to initiatives that empower blind and
partially sighted children to thrive and achieve their full potential,” he said.
In brief, World Sight Day, is a moment to reflect on the profound impact people’s choices can have on the lives of individuals with vision impairment.
This year, the day was being observed under the theme’Love Your Eyes.’
