About 85 per cent of cases of vision loss in the country are preventable or treatable, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has revealed.
In a message to mark World Sight Day, Duale noted that the statistics show that with early detection and timely care, cases of vision loss could be addressed.
“The Ministry of Health remains committed to working closely with the Council of Governors, county governments, development partners and communities to expand access to services, strengthen health systems and embed eye care firmly within Universal Health Coverage,” he said.
The CS added that with sustained collaboration and investment, every Kenyan adult or child, rural or urban, will enjoy the right to clear sight and the opportunities it unlocks.
He noted that globally, 1.1 billion people live with vision
impairment, with nearly 90 per cent of the cases being preventable or
treatable.
State Department for Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga assured that access to affordable, quality services remains a priority for the government.
“We shall continue to improve the scope of eye health coverage under the Social Health Authority. We are reducing cost-related barriers to make essential eye care services more accessible to Kenyans,” he said.
He highlighted that stronger partnerships and coordination drive progress.
“Together with our partners and communities, we can build a more equitable, efficient and sustainable eye health system, one that ensures no Kenyan is left behind,” Oluga added.
The Director General for Public Health Dr Patrick Amoth said the government is integrating primary eye care into the community health strategy.
He noted that community Health Promoters are now able to identify and refer individuals with eye conditions for timely treatment.
World Sight Day is held to raise awareness about blindness, vision impairment, and the importance of eye health.
Held annually on the second Thursday of October, World Sight Day is coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and supported by organisations and governments across the globe.
The 2025 theme, “Taking Eye Care to the Heart of Decision Making”, is expected to build upon the momentum of previous years, emphasising access to eye care for everyone, everywhere.
World Sight Day serves as a powerful reminder that more than one billion people globally suffer from vision impairment or blindness, and at least 1 billion of these cases could have been prevented or are yet to be addressed.
The day focuses not only on those affected but also urges
governments, health systems, and individuals to prioritise routine eye
check-ups, affordable corrective treatments, and preventive care, particularly
in underserved communities.
