Govt gets sh3.5b for trachoma fight

By Cecilia Okoth & Saudha Nakandha

Government has received a sh3.5b grant from the British government. The donation which is geared towards boosting the fight against Trachoma in the eastern and Karamoja regions was channeled through the Lions Club International Uganda (a humanitarian organization).

"This is meant for projects that deliver eye care services, facilities, as well train professionals and build awareness about eye health in underserved communities," Polly Karimari Ndyarugai, the Past Chairman and management coordinator of The Association of Lions Clubs International Uganda said while speaking during the handover ceremony at the Sheraton Hotel Wednesday.

He explained that the grant is part of the charity activities to mark Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

"The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust with an initiative to eliminate Trachoma and other ailments was set up. The donors then contacted our club which agreed, the money was then channeled to SightFirst program through the Uganda's Lions club," Ndyarugai noted.

The State Minister for Health Elioda Tumwesigye said that the grant would bridge the budget gaps in the Health Ministry.

"With most of the finances being allocated to different sectors, the health budget remains still wanting. We are grateful that if this grant if fully utilized for its purpose; it will save on the finance burden in the Ministry," said Tumwesigye.

Trachoma is the leading preventable cause of blindness worldwide.  It is a bacterial infection that affects the eyes and spreads through direct contact of the eyes, eyelids, and nose or throat secretions of infected people.  Untreated Trachoma leads to blindness.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 8 million people worldwide have been visually impaired by trachoma. WHO estimates more than 84 million people need treatment for trachoma, primarily in poor areas of developing countries.

Across Uganda, an estimated 140,000 people are at immediate risk of becoming blind because of repeated infection from trachoma.