Togo: Ministry of Health at war against cataracts
In many French-speaking African countries, eye health is often neglected. However, in Togo, efforts are increasing to improve the detection of cataracts, one of the leading causes of blindness. Last week, the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene launched an extensive screening and surgery campaign in the Lacs Prefecture.
The activity began at the Prefectural Hospital Center (CHP) in Aného, following a national survey on visual impairments initiated under the National Eye Health Program (PNOS). For this campaign, a total of 2.000 affected eyes will undergo free surgery nationwide. The Ministry of Health aims to significantly reduce this condition, which is one of the main causes of blindness in the country. Health workers conducting the operations will also raise awareness among the population about this disease.
According to recent data, around 200.000 people in Togo suffer from untreated cataracts. Two years ago, a large campaign called “Operation Zero Cataract” reached 10.000 people across the country’s five regions.
As a reminder, symptoms such as blurred or cloudy vision, glare or halo effects around lights, can indicate cataracts and should prompt consultation with an ophthalmologist. If untreated, cataracts, which cause vision problems due to lens clouding, can lead to blindness.
