• Experts, led by Juja subcounty public health officer Anne Mwangi, cautioned residents against heavy indulgence in alcohol and substance abuse.
• Mwangi urged Kenyan youth to cautiously use their mobile phones and laptops, saying they put the health of their eyes at risk.
Image: JOHN KAMAU
Excessive consumption of illicit brew, drug abuse and uncontrolled use of mobile phones have been blamed for increased eye problems among youth in Juja, Kiambu county.
Experts, who spoke during a free eye clinic at Zetech University’s Mang’u campus in Witeithie, said the high number of youths who turned up for the clinic admitted to either being addicted to at least one of the three.
The clinic was organised by the university in partnership with the PCEA Kikuyu Hospital, Christian Blind Mission (CBM) and the Kiambu government.
They had targeted to attend to 300 patients, but more than 1,000 residents turned up for check-up.
Experts, led by Juja subcounty public health officer Anne Mwangi, cautioned residents against heavy indulgence in alcohol and substance abuse.
“Consumption of illicit brews, as well as drugs, has been a major cause of eye problems and treating these problems is usually time and money-consuming. We appeal to our people to regulate or completely shun alcoholism,” she said.
Mwangi urged Kenyan youth to cautiously use their mobile phones and laptops, saying they put the health of their eyes at risk.
“We understand that most of our youths are working online or using digital platforms to earn a living. However, they must be very cautious because excessive and uncontrolled use of these digital devices can harm their eyes. It’s advisable to usually take a break after a certain period of using these devices,” she said.
Mwangi said the doctors strike has left many Kenyans desperately looking for healthcare services.
She said those who turned up were screened and given medication as well as assistive devices such as eye glasses.
Mwangi said most of the patients had been earlier identified by community health promoters (CHPs) in their homes and referred to the clinic.
“We sent our CHPs to the villages to scout for patients requiring eye check-ups. We were expecting about 300 patients but we were shocked that more than 1,000 residents have turned up,” Mwangi said.
She said eye problems prevalent in the region include cataracts, short-sightedness and allergies.
Zetech University deputy vice chancellor Prof Alice Njuguna pleaded with the striking doctors to reason out with the government and find a lasting solution to the standoff, saying Kenyans are suffering.
She said a high percentage of Kenyans cannot afford to seek services in private medical facilities.
“We’ve seen and witnessed members of the community suffering because they cannot access the healthcare services owing to the ongoing strike. We plead with our government to swiftly take action and dialogue with the doctors to bring the strike to an end,” Njuguna said.
The DVC said the partnership between Zetech, the Kiambu government, Kikuyu PCEA Hospital and CBM is transformative and the university will continue holding similar clinics in Juja and Ruiru constituencies.
“This collaborative effort exemplifies the university's dedication to leveraging partnerships for the greater good. By fostering health awareness and providing tangible services, Zetech University and partners envision a healthier, more prosperous future for all,” Njuguna said.
Residents, who benefitted with the clinic, said they have been facing an uphill task in accessing the services, especially at this time when doctors have downed their tools.
Jane Wanjiku, a CHP in Witeithie ward, said poor Kenyans are suffering in their homes.