Taraba Assembly speaker calls for action to end blindness in Nigeria

The Speaker of Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt.

Hon.

(Prof.

) Joseph Albasu Kunini, has urged appropriate government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community based organizations (CBOs), and social media users to use the various social media platforms to spread the awareness campaign on the need for eye health in Taraba State in particular and the country generally, thereby complementing the concerted efforts of the conventional media organizations on the problem.

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The Speaker who spoke in an event to mark this year World Eye Day said, the clarion call has become imperative because blindness or vision impairment hampers several activities of a person’s life, ranging from daily chores, social interactions to work opportunities.

He describes blindness as a great family burden, since someone has to care or guide the blind person and that blindness is not a respecter of any person in the society: young or old, male or female, rich or poor.

Prof.

Kunini stressed that eyes are an important part of the health and wellbeing of every individual, hence routine eye checks, as well as prompt and appropriate treatment can prevent blindness and vision impairments; since nearly everyone on the planet will experience an eye health issue in a lifetime.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) has set aside14 October every year as “World Eye Day” to raise awareness and draw attention on the importance of eye health worldwide.

This year’s theme is, “Love Your Eyes” with hashtag, #LoveYourEyes – which is all about creating and spreading awareness of eye health.

The WHO has categorized Nigeria in the group of sub-Saharan countries in Africa where the estimated prevalence of blindness as one of the highest in the world.

Taraba Assembly speaker calls for action to end blindness in Nigeria