The United Kingdom has said sharing of knowledge and innovative technology is crucial in ensuring better eye health and stronger health system.
Head of Office of UK’s Department for International Development (DfID) in Malawi, Jen Marshall, made the remarks in Lilongwe yesterday when the Countess of Wessex, Sophie Helen, who is in the country, visited Kamuzu Central Hospital.
The Countess visited KCH’s Lions Sight First Eye Unit, to see activities of the Commonwealth Eye Health Consortium, which was established by the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust in 2014.
“Quality eye care is critical for preventing and treating avoidable blindness, enabling people to live healthy and productive lives. DfID is proud that UKAid to Malawi supports the work of Commonwealth Eye Health Consortium, through its grant to the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust,” Marshall said.
The countess visited the KCH in her capacity as Vice Patron of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust. The Trust was set up to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s lifetime of service as Head of the Commonwealth with an aim of combating avoidable blindness in the country.
An Oculoplastic Surgeon at KCH Amos Nyaka has since said the main challenge in dealing with eye problems in the country is that there are few doctors specialised in eye health care.
He, however, commended the Trust through the Commonwealth Eye Heath Consortium for training doctors in the country in eye health care.
“The main challenge in treating eye problems in the country is that there are only nine doctors specialised in eye health care which makes it a challenge to reach out to people, especially those in the rural areas. Delivering quality health service across Malawi is a challenge,” he said.
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