By Patriot Corps
Elegu/Nimule, South Sudan – October 18, 2024 – Uganda-South Sudan border, Cordaid, in collaboration with CBM, the State Ministry of Health Eastern Equatoria State (EES), Magwi County Health Department, and the Amuru District Local Government, has made strides in enhancing eye care services at Nimule Hospital. This initiative is part of the ongoing Integrated People-Centered Eye Care Services project, which started in January 2022 and is set to run until December 2024.
Now in its third year, the project aims to provide comprehensive eye care to vulnerable communities in Magwi County, South Sudan, and neighboring villages in Uganda. With conditions like cataracts, trachoma, glaucoma, and onchocerciasis posing the most significant risk of blindness in the region, the project seeks to address these through screenings, treatments, and public health interventions.
Speaking on the importance of this initiative, Oceng Osborn Geoffrey, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Amuru District, emphasized its positive impact: “This collaboration is a significant step towards addressing the eye health needs of our communities. By working together, we can ensure that vulnerable populations on both sides of the border receive the care they need.”
Starting from October 21st and running until October 30th, the Ministry of Health, with support from CBM, will deliver a series of eye care services across Magwi County and nearby villages in Uganda. Services will include both primary and secondary care, with a particular focus on high-risk areas such as Elegu, Bibia, and Atiak in Amuru District, Uganda.
Mr. Oceng highlighted the government’s commitment to prioritizing healthcare in border regions. “We have made significant efforts to ensure health services reach even the most remote areas. Strategies include community outreaches, training healthcare workers in primary eye care, educating teachers to prevent eye diseases, and regular surgical and non-surgical outreaches,” he noted.
Given the high prevalence of eye conditions, the cross-border collaboration between Uganda and South Sudan is vital. The East African Framework for Cross-Border Surveillance, combined with the International Health Regulations (2005), ensures that health teams from both sides of the border can work together effectively to tackle shared health challenges. The upcoming eye care camp, with services offered at Elegu Port Health, Bibia HCIII, and Atiak HCIV, exemplifies this cooperation.
The project’s success relies on the continued efforts of local health teams, and community outreach will be key in ensuring that those in need benefit from the eye care services.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the screenings from October 21st to 30th, and for more details, they can contact Lamot Patrick Louis, Port Health Supervisor at Elegu, via 0782609311.
Oceng concluded, “Let us spread the word to those who need these services, ensuring that our communities can benefit from improved eye health.”
For inquiries, contact:
Oceng Osborn Geoffrey,
Resident District Commissioner, Amuru District
