Health inspectors and health assistants in Kayunga District have undergone induction training aimed at strengthening the fight against severe trachoma, a dangerous eye disease that can lead to permanent blindness if not treated early.
The induction, conducted at the Kayunga District headquarters by Uganda’s Ministry of Health in partnership with Sightsavers, focused on community screening, patient mobilization, prevention measures and preparations for an upcoming surgery programme.
Speaking during the training, Trachoma Country Co-ordinator Charles Odiako said the government and its partners remain committed to eliminating avoidable blindness and ensuring that Persons With Disabilities participate equally in society.
“We are committed to saving sight and ensuring that no person goes blind because of trachoma. We also want persons with disabilities to participate equally in society through improved eye health services,” Odiako said.
Kayunga District Trachoma Co-ordinator Paul Byakika said the district urgently needs intensive screening and surgical intervention, revealing that more than 310 patients remain on the backlog linked to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected treatment and surgery programmes, leaving us with a backlog of more than 310 patients who still require urgent attention,” Byakika explained.
He added that preparations for the surgery programme are already underway across the district, including arrangements to provide transport for patients to enable them access treatment services more easily.
Byakika further revealed that the training programme for Village Health Teams, health workers and lower local leaders started on May 15 and will run until May 19, 2026, at sub-county level to strengthen community sensitization and patient mobilization ahead of the exercise.
According to district health authorities, trachoma surgery services will officially run from May 20 to May 26, 2026, in different sub-counties across Kayunga District, targeting patients suffering from advanced stages of the disease.
Health officials say trachoma is mainly caused by poor hygiene, overcrowding and repeated bacterial infection spread through contact with eye discharge, flies and contaminated materials. Residents have been encouraged to maintain proper sanitation, wash their faces regularly and seek early treatment to prevent blindness.
District leaders have called upon communities to cooperate with health teams during the upcoming screening and surgery campaign aimed at eliminating trachoma and reducing preventable blindness in Kayunga District.