The Lodwar County and Referral Hospital (LCRH) hosted a delegation from the Fred Hollows Foundation on a learning visit aimed at strengthening the existing partnership and identifying new opportunities to improve access to quality eye care services across Turkana County.
The delegation was led by the Foundation’s Country Director Peter Milo, accompanied by Dr. Ben Collo, the North Rift Regional Coordinator. They were received by the County Head of Surgical Services Dr. Khalid Hassan and the County Eye Care Services Coordinator Dr. Samson Lokele.
The visit focused on reviewing the progress achieved through the partnership while exploring priority areas for future collaboration, particularly in expanding eye care services to underserved and remote communities.
Foundation Pledges Continued Support
Speaking during the meeting, Peter Milo reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting Turkana’s eye health programme over the next five years.
“We have been here before and we will continue to be here. We remain committed to supporting the county, especially in strengthening eye care services,” said Milo.
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The commitment is expected to bolster ongoing efforts to improve eye health outcomes and reduce preventable blindness across the county.
Decentralize Eye Care Services
County Eye Care Services Coordinator Dr. Samson Lokele highlighted the county’s strategy of decentralizing eye care services through the establishment of satellite eye clinics in various parts of Turkana.
According to Dr. Lokele, the initiative aims to bring specialized eye care closer to communities that face challenges accessing services at major health facilities.
The proposal received positive support from the Fred Hollows Foundation, which identified it as a potential area for future collaboration and investment.
Progress Towards Eliminating Trachoma
Dr. Ben Collo praised Turkana County for its remarkable progress in the fight against trachoma, a neglected tropical disease that can lead to blindness if left untreated.
He noted that the county has successfully reduced trachoma prevalence from 42.3 percent in 2011/2012 to below the World Health Organization (WHO) threshold of 5 percent, positioning Turkana on course to achieve trachoma-free validation.
Dr. Collo emphasized that the Foundation remains committed to advancing eye health as both a public health and socio-economic development priority through workforce development, stronger health systems, improved data use, and enhanced advocacy.
County Commends Partnership
Dr. Khalid Hassan acknowledged the Foundation’s longstanding support, citing its contribution to capacity building, infrastructure development, and the provision of eye care equipment across health facilities in Turkana.
He said the partnership has played a significant role in improving access to eye care services and strengthening the county’s healthcare system.
The meeting was also attended by Fred Hollows Foundation Program Officer Collins Ogada, Regional Finance Office representative Moses Onganga, Program Support Officer Abraham Eweet, as well as Mourine Omuse and Philip from the LCRH Eye Care Unit
