Increasing the use of cataract services: using an existing eye care structure in Nigeria

Community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) is the main strategy of the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC). It has enabled the programme to reach remote and underserved communities where onchocerciasis is endemic. With CDTI, the community is involved in key decisions about h...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Community eye health 2006-12, Vol.19 (60), p.66-67
Main Author: Ogoshi, Christopher
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cataract
Community Health Services
Delivery of Health Care
Nigeria
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Summary:Community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) is the main strategy of the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC). It has enabled the programme to reach remote and underserved communities where onchocerciasis is endemic. With CDTI, the community is involved in key decisions about how the drug is distributed and selects the distributor. In this way, a relationship of trust is established between provider and beneficiary. This provides an entry point for expanding activities dedicated to the prevention of blindness.Christian Blind Mission International (CBMI) began working with the government of Nigeria in 1995 on their onchocerciasis programme. In 2003, this collaboration was broadened to address the prevention of blindness. The structure provided a way to reach the people living far from eye care facilities (in many states, these facilities exist only in the urban centres). In addition to strengthening the eye care services, efforts were made to create awareness and a demand for cataract services amongst rural dwellers. The programme described in this article aims to organise outreach programmes in northern Nigeria and falls within the authority of the Ministries of Health of the states of Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Taraba, and the Federal capital territory, Abuja.
ISSN:0953-6833