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New Update

World Health Organization Project to Prevent Blindness in Children

Every minute, 1 child goes blind somewhere in the world. Half of these cases could be avoided, meaning that it is possible to save 250,000 children from darkness every year. The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the launch of a project for the prevention of blindness in children. The project is financially supported by the Lions Clubs International Foundation, under the auspices of its Lions SightFirst Programme. Lions US$3.75 million donation represents a major first step towards achieving the global elimination of avoidable blindness in children.

Of the half million children who go blind every year, 3 in 5 die either from the causes that led to blindness or from other deprivations. An estimated 1.5 million children currently live with blindness. In terms of absolute numbers, visual loss in the older population takes a heavier toll. However, in terms of 'years of blindness', the burden of blindness in childhood is only second to that from cataract, which is the most important cause of global blindness.

Blindness and severe visual impairment have far reaching social, economic, and personal implications. When it occurs in children, it also poses serious barriers to the development of the child at a formative stage. Primary health care approaches such as immunisation against measles and rubella, better nutrition, especially with regard to vitamin A, timely prophylaxis against eye infections in the new-born from diseases such as gonococcal infection, and the avoidance of harmful eye medicines, could all contribute to minimising childhood blindness.

Surgical interventions are necessary for conditions such as cataract, corneal opacities and glaucoma in childhood. Besides specialised training needed to equip surgeons to treat these conditions, early detection and increased access to treatment are essential to prevent irreparable damage to the eyes of children. The correction of reractive errors and the provision of low vision care are additional activities to be addressed. Teamwork at all levels becomes a key element for success.

The 5-year project will focus on training of health personnel for prevention, early detection, and treatment in 30 countries in WHO regions. It will also establish child friendly 'Centres for Sight of Children' in these countries. While the project will be executed by the WHO, member governments, members of the Lions Clubs International at all levels, and other non-governmental organisations, will participate in project activities.

Source: Press Release WHO/48.18 June 2002.