On Friday, October 25, 2024, Kabgayi Eye Unit Hospital concluded a five-day training program for 12 Red Cross volunteers from across Rwanda, aimed at enhancing their understanding of eye diseases and preventive measures.
The participants, representing the Red Cross in Rwanda’s provinces and the city of Kigali, gained essential knowledge to better support the fight against blindness in their communities.
Speaking with ICK News, Dr. Theophile Tuyisabe, Director of Kabgayi Eye Unit, explained that the training was designed to provide the volunteers with a foundational understanding of eye health and common eye diseases.
“Red Cross volunteers reach areas we often cannot, so this collaboration was vital to equip them with the skills to train their peers and spread awareness on eye health. This initiative aligns with our mission to prevent blindness and improve public understanding of factors that impair vision,” he stated.
Dr. Tuyisabe highlighted that the training covered three core areas including Knowledge that the volunteers could share with their peers, Skills to assist community members in need, and Guidance on how to respond to unexpected eye health emergencies.
Solange Mukundiyukuri, a representative from Rwanda’s Red Cross, emphasized the significance of the training, noting that the volunteers now serve as a direct link between the community and eye care facilities.
“In rural areas, many people struggle with eye issues but may not know it, or they’re unaware of available treatments. Now, our volunteers will be able to educate the public on eye health and facilitate connections to treatment centers,” she said.
She added that this training complements the volunteers’ usual outreach activities with an added focus on eye care.
Didier Hategekimana, a trained volunteer from the Eastern Province, shared that the training had equipped him to identify individuals with potential eye issues more accurately.
“Before, I might have overlooked signs of eye problems, but now I understand the impact of conditions that could even be life-threatening,” he noted.
Didier added that his newfound knowledge of symptoms such as hazy vision would enable him to educate others and contribute meaningfully to the national effort to combat blindness.
This training was organized by the Rwandan and Belgian Red Cross, in collaboration with Kabgayi Eye Unit, with support from Light for the World.