Stakeholders Chart Local Strategies to Improve Eye Health Services in Grand Kru

By: Emmanuel Koffa | Grand Kru Correspondent

Barclayville City, Grand Kru County | Dec. 16, 2025 | In an effort to strengthen community-driven eye health services, the Grand Kru County Health Team, through its County Eye Health Department and with support from international NGO Sightsavers, has launched a three-day District Eye Health Planning Meeting at the Barclayville City Hall.

The planning meeting, which opened on Monday, places local stakeholders at the center of decision-making on eye health, bringing together government officials, district health authorities, youth and women’s organizations, and persons with disabilities to shape inclusive strategies for service delivery across the county.

Facilitating the session, Sightsavers Program Manager Emmanuel Kanneh said the approach reflects a shift toward locally owned solutions to eye health challenges.

“This process is about listening to communities and working together to develop practical solutions that respond to real needs on the ground,” Mr. Kanneh said.

According to him, inclusive participation is critical to ensuring that eye health services reach vulnerable populations, including older persons and persons with disabilities.

“When planning is inclusive, services become more effective and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or ability,” he added.

Mr. Kanneh reaffirmed Sightsavers’ commitment to eliminating avoidable blindness while promoting equal participation of persons with disabilities in society.

“Our vision is a world where no one is blind from avoidable causes, and where persons with disabilities can fully and equally participate in society,” he emphasized.

From a public health perspective, Mr. Kanneh highlighted cataracts and glaucoma as leading causes of vision impairment within communities, noting that eye health challenges tend to increase significantly among people aged 50 and above.

“Cataracts and glaucoma continue to affect many people, especially older persons, but early detection and timely treatment can prevent unnecessary blindness,” he explained.

He further called for stronger collaboration between community actors and the County Eye Health Department to promote prevention, early screening, and referral services.

“An eye-healthy society depends on collective action. Vision loss reduces productivity and quality of life, and that is why everyone has a role to play,” Mr. Kanneh stated.

The Sightsavers Program Manager stressed that sustainable eye health outcomes can only be achieved through shared responsibility and community commitment.

“Eye health is not only the responsibility of health workers; it is everyone’s business. Protecting our eyes means protecting our future,” he concluded.