The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Glaucoma Patient Association of Ghana, has launched the 2025 World Glaucoma Week to raise awareness about the disease and encourage early detection through regular eye screening.
Under the theme “United for a Glaucoma-Free World,” the initiative seeks to unite communities in the fight against glaucoma-related blindness by promoting early diagnosis and treatment.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Hafez Adam, Acting Director for Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening eye healthcare services across the country.
He noted that World Glaucoma Week, a global initiative by the World Glaucoma Association and the World Glaucoma Patients Association, is a crucial platform for increasing public awareness of the disease. “The initiative aims to alert everyone to have regular eye and optic nerve checks to discover glaucoma early and prevent visual loss,” he stated.
Dr. Hafez highlighted measures being implemented to combat glaucoma, including intensified public education campaigns and improved access to eye care services. He added that the Ministry is equipping more health facilities with diagnostic tools and training personnel to enhance early detection and treatment, particularly at the primary healthcare level.
Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, often develops without early symptoms, making regular eye examinations essential for early intervention. The Ministry urged the public to take advantage of screening opportunities and prioritize eye health.