Vision impairment in PNG one of the highest in the world

The Australian Government has assisted Papua New Guinea with a funding contribution of K7.42 million for eye health care services.

This funding will see the construction of a new PNG Centre for Eye Health at the Port Moresby General Hospital.

The Australian High Commission in a statement, said that this is done because PNG has one of the highest rates of avoidable blindness in the Pacific.  

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy said, “Australia has a long-term commitment to partner with the PNG Government to improve outcomes in its health sector.  

“We are proud to support the Fred Hollows Foundation address critical eye health needs in PNG, and reinforce our commitment to gender equality, sustainable development, and regional resilience.”     

The Fred Hollows Foundation Australia CEO Ian Wishart said “PNG has one of the highest rates of avoidable blindness and vision impairment in the world, with only seven provinces out of 22 having an eye doctor. Increased investment in PNG’s eye health system is essential.   

According to the Fred Hollows Foundation, It’s estimated that 5.6% of the PNG population over 50 years of age are living with blindness, and 21.1% of people are expected to have vision impairment.  

This initiative started from a partnership between the Government of PNG, National Department of Health, The University of PNG School of Medicine and Health Science, and The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ.