ANAMBRA INAUGURATES TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP TO TACKLE AVOIDABLE BLINDNESS, HEARING IMPAIRMENT, OTHER SENSORY HEALTH CHALLENGES

By Stanley Nwako

The Anambra State Government has inaugurated a Technical Working Group on Eye, Ear and Sensory Functions Health to strengthen the prevention, early detection and management of sensory health conditions across the state.

Inaugurating the group in Awka on July 16, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, described the initiative as an important step towards improving access to quality eye, ear and other sensory health services for Ndi Anambra.

Dr Obidike stressed the need for accurate data, proper planning and coordinated action, urging the group to develop a clear, data-driven strategic development plan to complement its Annual Operational Plan.

He noted that statistics showing that about 84 per cent of blindness cases are avoidable through prevention, early detection or treatment must translate into practical interventions.

The commissioner also called for equal attention to hearing impairment and other sensory health conditions, noting that reliable data would enable the state to understand the burden and develop appropriate interventions.

He assured the group of the Ministry’s support and urged members to work with civil society organisations, development partners and other relevant stakeholders.

Earlier, the State Eye, Ear and Sensory Functions Health Programme Manager, Dr Chioma G. Ezeonyeka, said the programme, domiciled in the Department of Public Health, coordinates sensory health services and works to reduce avoidable sensory impairment.

According to her, cataract, glaucoma and uncorrected refractive errors remain major causes of blindness, while vision and hearing challenges affect learning, communication, productivity and quality of life.

Dr Ezeonyeka disclosed that glaucoma screening across health facilities in the state detected 118 cases, while previous eye health outreaches screened 1,528 persons and provided reading glasses to 1,102 beneficiaries.

She said the 2026 Annual Operational Plan includes free eye and ear screening, distribution of spectacles, glaucoma awareness campaigns, cataract surgeries for 100 persons and training of Primary Healthcare workers to identify and refer eye conditions.

Contributing, Prof. Sebastian Nwosu called for the involvement of social scientists, communication experts and creative professionals in promoting sensory health services.

He noted that technical expertise alone may not be enough to encourage people to access available services, suggesting that Nollywood practitioners and other communication professionals could support effective public awareness campaigns.

Prof. Nwosu also urged the group to explore community-driven funding rather than depending solely on pharmaceutical companies, banks and large organisations.

He recalled how a traditional ruler sponsored cataract surgeries for 56 people as part of his birthday celebration, describing the gesture as an example of how individuals and communities could support healthcare delivery.

“We may not always need to look outside for funding. We can start from home by engaging well-meaning individuals and philanthropists who are willing to support healthcare services,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in building the confidence of donors and development partners.

Dr Obidike, on behalf of the Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, formally inaugurated the Technical Working Group and charged members to provide leadership, coordination and strategic direction towards improving eye, ear and sensory health services across Anambra State.

Present at the inauguration were the Director of Public Health and Disease Control, Dr Afam Anaeme; Director of Civil Society Organisations, Prince Chris Azor; members of the Technical Working Group and other stakeholders in the health sector.