Diabetic eye care programme launched in Kitwe

By ALEX NJOVU FIRST Lady Christine Kaseba yesterday launched the diabetic eye care programme in Kitwe, which is supported by Konkola Copper Mines (KCM). KCM has invested about K1.5 billion in the programme which will benefit more than 2,000 people from various parts of the Copperbelt and surrounding areas. Speaking during the launch at the eye ward clinic at Kitwe Central Hospital, Dr Kaseba said cases of diabetes are increasing worldwide and Zambia is no exception. Dr Kaseba said more than 300 million people around the world are living with diabetes. “The International Diabetes Federation estimates the prevalence rate of diabetes in Zambia at 3.1 percent. The situation is getting worse as millions of affected people struggle with the complications of diabetes, among them diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina),” she said. Dr Kaseba said globally, diabetic retinopathy is responsible for 4.8 percent of all forms of blindness. She said if untreated, diabetic retinopathy will lead to blindness in 20 percent of the people who suffer from diabetes. “I am happy that KCM will be offering free diabetic eye care services from February to May this year in all Copperbelt towns, as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility programme which is aimed at improving the quality of diabetic eye care in the province. We need to tackle non-communicable diseases because they are killing people,” she said. Dr Kaseba commended KCM for its commitment to preventing blindness among the needy. “This partnership between Government, KCM and other stakeholders is commendable, given the gravity and implications of diabetes on affected individuals, their families and the broader communities. KCM is helping to contribute to the Vision 2020 whose goal is to eliminate preventable blindness,” Dr Kaseba said. And KCM chief executive officer Jeyakummer Janakaraj said the mining company is committed to adding value to the quality of life of people in various communities in Zambia. Mr Janakaraj said KCM will continue to work with Government in implementing projects that benefit people. He said KCM has in the last five years spent about K490 billion on corporate social responsibility programmes and the company is committed to working with various organisations in fostering development in communities. Kitwe Central Hospital senior medical superintendent John Mwewa commended KCM for partnering with the hospital in fighting blindness. Dr Mwewa said the institution has since 2002 been running an eye programme which is in line with the Vision 2020 requirements. And Copperbelt provincial medical officer Chandwa Ng’ambi said the Ministry of Health is pleased that KCM has on many occasions implemented projects which add value to the quality of life of people.