Plateau’s 2.7% blindness rate above national average – Health commissioner

The Commissioner for Health in Plateau State, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, says the state has a blindness prevalence rate of 2.7 per cent, significantly higher than the national average of 0.7 per cent.

Baamlong disclosed this on Thursday in Jos, the state capital, while addressing journalists to mark the 2025 World Glaucoma Day, with the theme, “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World.”

The commissioner, who quoted the 2023 Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness survey, noted that cataracts and glaucoma were the leading causes of blindness in Plateau .

He, however, said that early detection could prevent most cases.

To address the high prevalence of blindness, Baamlong outlined several state interventions, including, establishing a robust network of well-equipped eye care referral centers.

“Training and equipping eye care professionals to enhance service delivery and conducting multiple outreach programs in various communities to strengthen the eye care system,” he said.

Baamlong, who underscored the importance of early detection, noted that glaucoma remained a major public health concern and a leading cause of blindness.

He urged residents to prioritise their eye health by scheduling regular eye check-ups.

He also commended various partners and stakeholders in the state’s eye care sector for their continued support in tackling avoidable blindness.

(NAN)

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