Ministry of Health Launches 2025 Glaucoma Awareness with a Call to Action: 700,000 Ghanaians Affected, 60,000 Blind
The Ministry of Health has launched the 2025 Glaucoma Awareness initiative, dubbed “United for a Glaucoma-Free World,” with a pressing call to action to combat the devastating impact of glaucoma on individuals and communities. Dr. Hafez Adam Taher, Acting Director of Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health, emphasized that glaucoma remains a major cause of irreversible blindness in Ghana, accounting for over 19% of all blind cases.
To combat this, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Services and partners, is intensifying interventions through:
Public Education Campaigns – Increasing awareness and promoting regular eye screening
Expanding Access to Eye Care – Equipping health facilities with diagnostic tools and trained personnel, especially at the primary healthcare level
National Health Insurance Coverage – Including glaucoma treatment in the National Health Insurance Scheme’s benefit package
Dr. Afake Honametor, Director of the Eye Care Secretariat, delivered a poignant keynote address, shedding light on the alarming statistics surrounding glaucoma in Ghana. The disease affects over 700,000 Ghanaians, making Ghana one of the countries with the highest prevalence of glaucoma globally. Dr. Honametor emphasized that glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in Ghana, accounting for 19.4% of all blindness cases.
Key risk factors for glaucoma include:
Family history – Having a family member with glaucoma increases one’s risk by up to eightfold
Age -The risk of glaucoma increases with age, making regular eye checks crucial for those over 40
Global estimates – Over 78 million people worldwide suffer from glaucoma, with 7.7 million experiencing moderate to severe vision loss
Mr. Harrison K. Abutiate, President of the Glaucoma Patients Association of Ghana, emphasized the importance of sustained efforts in glaucoma awareness creation. He expressed gratitude to contributors and partner organizations that have supported the association’s activities over the years. Abutiate stressed that continued support is crucial, as awareness creation is key to preventing more Ghanaians from going blind due to ignorance.
The 2025 Glaucoma Awareness Initiative serves as a rallying cry for Ghanaians to take proactive steps in protecting their vision and combating this debilitating disease. By taking action, Ghanaians can reduce the devastating impact of glaucoma and work towards a glaucoma-free world.
