…Commissioner Calls for Urgent Action as Blindness Rates Surpass National Average
The Plateau Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, says no fewer than 4,243 cases of glaucoma was recorded in the state in 2025.
Baamlong said this during a road show to commemorate the 2026 World Glaucoma Week, on Monday in Jos.
He said that the affected persons were undergoing treatment, adding that the 2023 Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) survey indicated prevalence of blindness in the state.
“In 2025, Plateau reported 4,243 cases of glaucoma that are on treatment, with 501 new cases.
“The 2026 RAAB survey in the state reported a 2.7 per cent blindness prevalence, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.7 per cent,” he said.
Baamlong called on stakeholders to unite towards scaling up awareness, early testing and ensuring access to early treatment in the state.
He said such a move would reduce the rising cases of glaucoma and improve eye health among residents of the state.
He said that the state government had invested huge resources in repositioning the health sector towards optimal performance.
Theme for the 2026 glaucoma week is –“Uniting for a Glaucoma Free World.” (NAN)
