Free eye surgery in Togo

In a significant effort to improve the visual health of the Togolese people, a new national campaign for free cataract surgery and other eye conditions was launched late last week in Tsévié. This initiative aims to operate on 2,000 eyes across the country by the end of November.

The campaign includes:

• 650 operations in the Savanes region.
• 300 operations in the Maritime region.
• 400 operations in the Plateaux.
• 350 operations in the Central region.
• 300 operations in Kara.

This operation is part of the national strategy to combat blindness and promote visual well-being. It benefits from financing of approximately 50 million FCFA from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).

The main objective of this campaign is to provide free healthcare to the most vulnerable populations and reduce cases of blindness. According to the latest data from the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (ARCE) study, nearly 40.8% of Togolese people aged 50 and over suffer from bilateral visual impairment, more than 60% of which is due to cataracts. Currently, approximately 60,000 eyes with cataracts have not yet been operated on in Togo.

Dr Yawo Sefofo Prempe, coordinator of the National Eye Health Programme (PNSO), said: “This campaign is a concrete response to reduce this burden and improve the quality of life of the population.”

Last August, Togo implemented an updated strategic plan to guide actions for the prevention, treatment, and management of visual disorders for the period 2025–2027. This initiative demonstrates the Togolese government's commitment to improving visual health and combating avoidable blindness in the country.

Therese V.