Glaucoma Situation Status

 Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause irreversible vision loss and blindness if left untreated. It affects millions of people worldwide, with a higher prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. Tanzania is one such country that has a high burden of glaucoma. According to a 2020 study, the prevalence of glaucoma in Tanzania was estimated to be 3.6%, which translates to over 1.5 million people affected by the disease.

The Ministry of Health in Tanzania recognizes the importance of addressing the issue of glaucoma and has included it as a priority in their National NTD (Neglected Tropical Diseases) Control Program. The program aims to eliminate five neglected tropical diseases, including trachoma, onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminths, as well as to control and manage other diseases that affect the eyes, such as glaucoma.

The goals of the NTD program for glaucoma are to reduce the prevalence of the disease, increase awareness about its risks and symptoms, and improve access to screening and treatment services. To achieve these goals, the Ministry of Health has implemented several strategies.

Firstly, they established a National Glaucoma Program to coordinate and implement activities related to glaucoma control and management. The program aims to provide training to healthcare workers, improve access to diagnostic and treatment services, and develop public education campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of regular eye exams.

Secondly, the collaboration with international organizations, such as the Fred Hollows Foundation, to provide support for glaucoma screening and treatment services in remote and underserved areas. Through this partnership, the Ministry of Health aims to increase access to care for people living in rural and remote areas who may not have access to regular eye care services.

Thirdly, the Ministry of Health is promoting the integration of glaucoma services into primary healthcare, including routine eye exams and the use of telemedicine to improve access to care. This approach aims to increase the number of people who are screened and diagnosed with glaucoma at an early stage when treatment is more effective.

Finally, the Ministry of Health is working to improve the availability and affordability of glaucoma medications and surgical procedures to ensure that people living with glaucoma can access the treatment they need.

Importance of addressing the issue of glaucoma and having included it as a priority in its National NTD Control Program. Through the implementation of various strategies, the Ministry of Health aims to reduce the prevalence of glaucoma, increase awareness about its risks and symptoms, and improve access to screening and treatment services. With continued efforts, it is hoped that the burden of glaucoma in Tanzania will be reduced, and vision loss and blindness prevented.

Glaucoma is a major cause of blindness and visual impairment in East Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Somalia. According to a 2020 study published in the journal Ophthalmology, the estimated prevalence of glaucoma in Tanzania is 3.6%, which translates to over 1.5 million people affected by the disease. In Kenya, the prevalence of glaucoma is estimated to be between 1.4% and 4.8%, and it is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. In Uganda, a study published in 2019 found that the prevalence of glaucoma was 5.6% and that it was more common in women than in men.

In Burundi, there is limited data on the prevalence of glaucoma, but a study published in 2018 found that it was the second leading cause of blindness in the country. In Rwanda, a study published in 2019 found that the prevalence of glaucoma was 3.3% and that it was more common in rural areas. In South Sudan, there is very limited data on the prevalence of glaucoma, but it is known to be a significant cause of blindness. In the DRC, a study published in 2018 found that the prevalence of glaucoma was 2.2% and that it was more common in urban areas. In Somalia, there is limited data on the prevalence of glaucoma, but it is known to be a significant cause of visual impairment.

The significant public health issue in East Africa and efforts are being made to improve access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment services. The National NTD Control Programs of the countries, as well as organizations such as The Fred Hollows Foundation, are working to provide training to healthcare workers, improve access to diagnostic and treatment services, and develop public education campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of regular eye exams.