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Incidence and causes of blindness among the under 5 age group in Malawi
Abstract:
The expected incidence of blindness among children under 5 years of age in Malawi is 34 cases per 100 000 children. Direct ocular infections were responsible for the blindness in 32% of the cases (bacterial infections 20% and measles 12%). The instillation of traditional medicine in these cases worsened the ocular condition and induced in all of the cases a "hopeless" situation of total melting of the cornea and protrusion of the uvea. Congenital factors (excluding retinoblastomas) were responsible for 30-8% of the blind cases. Among these, 11 cases of congenital cataracts were successfully treated and will not appear as blind in future. A high incidence (9-3%) of cortical blindness was recorded. Trauma was implicated in 5-3%, while retinoblastoma was found in 8%. It is believed that adequate preventive measures should be able to lower the incidence of blindness among this age group to 5 cases instead of 34 per 100 000 children.
Insights
Preventable causes contribute to childhood blindness in Malawi, with infections and congenital factors being primary. Early intervention and preventive measures could significantly reduce the incidence of blindness in children under five.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Childhood blindness in Malawi presents a significant public health challenge.
- The incidence of blindness among children under five is estimated at 34 cases per 100,000.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the primary causes of blindness in children under five in Malawi.
- To assess the impact of traditional medicine on ocular conditions.
- To determine the potential for reducing blindness through preventive measures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of blindness cases in children under five.
- Categorization of blindness causes including infections, congenital factors, trauma, and retinoblastoma.
- Evaluation of treatment outcomes for congenital cataracts.
Main Results:
- Ocular infections (bacterial, measles) account for 32% of cases, often exacerbated by traditional medicine.
- Congenital factors contribute 30.8%, with 11 successfully treated congenital cataracts.
- Cortical blindness (9.3%), trauma (5.3%), and retinoblastoma (8%) are also significant causes.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of childhood blindness in Malawi is preventable.
- Timely and appropriate medical intervention can avert blindness in many cases.
- Implementing preventive strategies could reduce the blindness incidence to 5 cases per 100,000.