ESCRS-Supported Project in South Sudan, Western Bahr Ghazal, and Raja County

The Health Department of the Catholic Diocese of Wau conducted a health assessment in all parishes within the Catholic Dioceses of Wau last year. During the assessment it was found out that most of the centres reported similar tropical diseases except Raja County. In Raja County the parishes reported additionally high numbers of blind people and people who are affected with epilepsy. The main request of the parishes was to conduct an eye care campaign and to support the people living with epilepsy with treatment.

The eye assessment was planned with the team from College of Medicine, University of Juba, the parish priest and the health department of Diocese of Wau.

The main objective was to assessment the burden and causes of blindness and assessment of community’s knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) about onchocerciasis and community directed treatment with Ivermectin in Raja County.

Screening for different types of eye problems was conducted by one ophthalmologist, and the two ophthalmic clinical officers. Those with treatable conditions were provided with necessary medications and surgical cases were booked. Counselling was provided for all the patients. 

Altogether 1,559 people were screened and treated, most of the eyes diseases, 46.6% (1,453) were allergic conjunctivitis. The main cause of blindness is both onchocerciasis associated blindness which contributed to 22.6% in comparison to cataract (9.3%). More than 94% of the screened patients were diagnosed to be clinically infected onchocerciasis with ages of 30 years or above being affected.

Parallel to the screening, there was community awareness on OV after assessment of community's knowledge, attitude and practice about onchocerciasis and community directed treatment was conducted.