By Leilah Bbaale
The Minister of Health Dr Jane Ruth Aceng has challenged leaders and the public in Kagadi District to join efforts in the elimination of river blindness.
Minister Aceng made the plea while presiding over the celebrations for the elimination of river blindness in Kagadi District, held at Ruteete play ground in Rutete Town Council, Kagadi District.
The Minister’s message was delivered by Dr Fred Mubangizi the commissioner in charge of borne and neglected tropical diseases in the ministry of health.
Dr Fred Mubangizi says Kagadi district was recorded amongst the 48 districts in the country with several cases of river blindness during an assessment conducted in 1991 especially among people living near river Nguse and Mpamba.
He adds that currently, in Uganda out of 48 districts who had river blindness by 1991 only 14 districts have celebrated the elimination of river blindness Kagadi inclusive.
Dr Chris Tumwebaze, the focal person in charge of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Kagadi says the district last registered a case of river blindness in 2012.
River blindness, also known as onchocerciasis, is a disease transmitted through bites from black flies which breed in fast-flowing rivers and streams and forested regions.
