Machakos county: In collaboration with Sight Savers, Machakos County has celebrated World Sight Day by launching a free eye medical camp, aimed at promoting early detection and addressing preventable blindness.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Chief Officer for Public Health, Mwako Simba, announced during the launch that the eye outreach clinic is currently covering 5 sub-counties and will expand to all 9 sub-counties over the next two years. This expansion ensures that no community is left behind in receiving essential eye care services.
Mwako highlighted the rising number of eye-related cases in local hospitals, indicating significant eye complications in the area. This situation has compelled the county to seek support from Sight Savers for a sustained two-year partnership to address these issues effectively.
Residents of Machakos are encouraged to attend the outreach events in large numbers. Advance notices are being provided to allow the community to prepare for these vital health services. Additionally, the Chief Officer disclosed plans for the Department of Health to establish a 24-hour eye care shop at Machakos Referral Hospital. Here, residents will have access to free consultations, spectacles, and essential medicines, marking a pivotal step in addressing preventable blindness and improving healthcare access.
Furthermore, residents are encouraged to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to access a broader range of health services, including surgeries, without any financial burden. Mwako also assured that hospitals in the county are fully stocked with medicines to support these initiatives.
Sight Savers, on the other hand, remains fully dedicated to collaborating with local health officials to create a sustainable impact. They are committed to providing free spectacles and treatment to community members in need during the outreach programs.