Integration of eye care into primary healthcare tier in Nigeria health system: A case for Delta State

John Moyegbone

doi:10.31579/2690-8794/038

Abstract

Primary Eye Care (PEC) provides the essential cares of the eyes and visual pathways at the Primary Health Care (PHC) level in order to prevent avoidable visual impairment and blindness. The aim of this study is to review the need for integration of PEC services into PHC in Nigeria healthcare system – with focus oF Delta State. A narrative review approach was used in evaluation of community needs, government and PHC facilities. Published literatures from around the world including in Sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria was done through web search and Mendeley reference library. The evaluations show that there is ability and willingness to integrate PEC into PHC. Yet, there is observable mismatch in capacity vs. opportunity or a knowledge and attitude gap. In Delta State on Nigeria, there appears to be specialist Eye-care providers located in just 24% of the local government areas and absolutely none (zero %) at any PHC facility. In the rural communities, there is the barrier of affordances including problem of access, but the PHC staff can be equipped to provide basic services such as educational, preventive and referral services that non-governmental organisations have done. Therefore, integration of PEC into PHC at the community level is possible.

Highlights

PHC system is a grass-root approach meant to address the main health problems in the community, by providing preventive, curative andThe concept of primary healthcare (PHC) was propagated in 1978 in Alma-Ata declaration
Government: There is very little information about governance in Primary eye care (PEC)- in policy setting or in implementation to ensure quality care, resulting to a high burden of visual impairment associated with lack of safety regulation, lack of awareness of prevention, and potentially harmful social norms of the community in low and middle-income countries [10]
National Health Policy prescribes a system in which PHC is under the purview of local governments, while the state and federal governments are responsible for the management of secondary and tertiary health care services respectively [11,12,13]

Summary

Introduction

PHC system is a grass-root approach meant to address the main health problems in the community, by providing preventive, curative and. PHC forms an integral part of the country’s health system and a central point for social and economic development of every community. It is the first level of health service contact for individuals, families and communities and the national health system at large [3]. It is meant to provide services to the majority of the people based on needs without geographical, social or financial barriers through their involvement in the planning, implementation and evaluation of health programmes [1]. It has been long known that cataract could be caused by trachoma infection, a mode of prevention is by clean water and good environmental sanitation [6]

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Discussion

Conclusion