Kumasi — AN OUTREACH programme, aimed at raising the awareness of the dangers of Glaucoma, a serious eye disorder, has been launched in Kumasi by the Mama Ellen Foundation.

The programme is to educate Ghanaians on the dangerous effects of the disease which is said to be spreading fast in the country.

Ghana is ranked second in worldwide statistics for the prevalence of glaucoma. It is estimated that 600,000 Ghanaians are suffering from glaucoma, out of which 30,000 are likely to become blind if the disease is left untreated.

The statistics continues to show that 8.5 percent of persons above 40 years have the disease and 7.7 percent of persons above 30 years also are with the disease. Furthermore, 15 to 20 percent of cases of blindness in Ghana are due to glaucoma.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) is the government agency responsible for health care administration and delivery in the country.

GHS has over the years initiated various programs aimed at improving the eye care system in the country. The month of January has, therefore, been set aside by the World Glaucoma Association to promote education on the disease.

Speaking in an interview with The Chronicle, the Founder and CEO of Mama Ellen Foundation, Mrs. Ellen Adutwumwaa Semanyo, said the dangers of glaucoma must be an issue of concern to every Ghanaian, adding that there is the need for the education on the disease to be intensified in order to ensure its prevention and reduction.

She therefore called on Ghanaians to visit nearby health centres for medical screening for appropriate advice on the treatment and management of the disease.