By Ishaq Haruna Hardawa
A Chief Consultant Opthalmologist with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi Professor Abdull Mahdi has advocated for sustain behavioral change to address the rising Glaucoma cases in Sub – Saharan Africa.
Professor Abdull Mahdi made the appeal while making a presentation on Challenges of Glaucoma care in Sub- Saharan Africa and strategies for Control to mark 2026 World Glaucoma Week held at ATBUTH Bauchi.
He said creation of Glaucoma support group across communities would facilitate awareness among people on early detection and treatment of the diseases.
Professor Abdull Mahdi said in the year 2020, 76 Million people were affected by the diseases with projection of 110 million people to be diagnosed with Glaucoma worldwide by the year 2040.
The Chief Consultant Opthalmologist stress that according to Baltimore Eye Study, Black People have 6.6 times higher risk of getting Glaucoma than the white people.
Professor Abdull Mahdi mentioned some of the Glaucoma risk factors to include age, race, genetic factor, cardiovascular diseases among others.
The Chief Consultant Opthalmologist lament late presentation of Patients to hospital, non adherence to treatment, poverty as some of the challenges of Glaucoma care in the Region.
The Opthalmologist said ATBUTH has the highest number of Laser surgery conducted to Glaucoma Patients across the world.
Professor Abdull Mahdi advise people 40 years and above to always go for Glaucoma check to ascertain their status.
The Theme of this year’s World Glaucoma Week is Uniting for a Glaucoma Free World.
