Tachoma Hits 6,000 in Moroto District, Karamoja Region Uganda

4-April-2012

Over 6,000 people have been treated for eye complications at Moroto Hospital over the last three months.

The officer in charge of the hospital's eye clinic, Sister Emily Akullu, said most of the patients rare suffering from trachoma that has hit the districts of Napak and Moroto.

Trachoma is caused by bacteria known as chlamydia trachomatis. The disease presents with swollen itchy eyes and a yellow discharge from the eyes.

The signs of trachoma are usually noticed five to 12 days after exposure to the bacteria.It spreads through poor hygiene and sharing face towels.

Akullu told New Vision on Saturday that between 30 to 50 patients are diagnosed with trachoma everyday.

She said many people suffer from cataracts and other defects that can be managed if treatment starts early.

Akullu cautioned residents on the dangers of delayed treatment of trachoma, saying it could cause blindness.

She said trachoma can be prevented by improving sanitation, especially among children who are at high at risk of contracting the disease.

Akullu said the district health department is using village health teams to sensitise the communities on sanitation and the importance of seeking treatment early.

The World Health Organisation says about six million people worldwide are blind due to trachoma and more than 150 million others are in dire need of treatment.

By O. WANYAMA: The New VIsion Newspaper