Rwanda Red Cross organized an eye health awareness campaign in the Fumbwe sector of the Rwamagana district. On this occasion, around 100 people benefited from free eye care.
World Eye Health Day, celebrated on October 12, 2023, was an opportunity for Rwanda Red Cross (RRC) to bring aid to the population of Fumbwe.
Around 100 people were examined and given medicines and glasses for those who needed them.
Odette Mukamugenza praised CRR’s initiative for the quality care she received free of charge. She had difficulty seeing at a distance or reading.
“I had been to quite a few hospitals to renew my glasses. It cost me a lot of money. Now I can get quality treatment free of charge. I also received glasses at a price that I could also describe as free. I hope that initiatives like this will continue,” said Odette Mukamugenza.
Regular eye health check-ups recommended
Aimable Twagiramutara, Director of the Social Projects Department at Rwanda Red Cross, took the opportunity to invite the population to regularly monitor their eye health.
“The country needs a healthy population capable of supporting development efforts. I invite you to monitor your eye health regularly,” he said.
“Sight is an important element in a person’s life. It’s not easy to improve your socio-economic living conditions when you can’t see,” he insisted.
“I would like to inform you that the health of the population is one of our major concerns,” he said.
The population neglects eye health
John Muhayimana of the ophthalmology department at Kabgayi hospital, said that the population needs basic information on eye health. The Rwandan population, he said, is not concerned about eye health at the right time.
According to him, most people go for a check-up when the disease has reached a very worrying stage. He therefore urged the population to seek treatment at the first sign of the disease.
John Muhayimana took the opportunity to remind the population that health centers have the capacity to provide basic ophthalmological care.
Rwanda Red Cross was able to carry out this awareness campaign with the support of the Belgian Red Cross. This initiative for good eye health will continue in all districts of the country.
News editor
