Plateau Blindness Rate Higher Than National Prevalence — Official
Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, has revealed that the rate of blindness in Plateau State is approximately 2.7 percent higher than the national average of 0.7 percent. Dr. Baamlong shared this concerning statistic during a walk organized to mark this year’s World Glaucoma Week in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
The commissioner emphasized that this year’s theme, “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World,” reflects the need for collective action and collaboration across individuals, organizations, and governments to address the issue of glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. He also underscored that this message aligns with the state government’s ongoing commitment to providing accessible and high-quality healthcare services to its citizens.
In his remarks, Mr. Abalis Dassat, Eye Health Manager at the Health and Development Support Programme (HANDS), which organized the walk, expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of glaucoma, highlighting its status as a major cause of blindness worldwide. Dassat pointed out that glaucoma’s symptoms often go unnoticed until the disease has progressed to a critical stage, making early detection crucial.
He stressed the importance of regular eye checkups for all Nigerians to prevent blindness, noting that it presents significant challenges not only to the individual but also to society. Dassat called for a united effort from all stakeholders to combat this preventable condition and protect vision for future generations.
