LISTEN: Improving eye health a priority for SA: Health minister
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says blindness in communities in sub-Saharan Africa has a significant impact on the economy.
Motsoaledi was speaking at the launch of the Human Resources for Eye Health Initiative in Durban.
The event is aimed at promoting eye health in sub-Saharan Africa.
ALSO READ: Top eleven health risks for men
"If we have economically-active people who turn blind, who have to be taken care of, who cannot contribute to the economy - you can't live an independent life, which means you have to take somebody off their work to take care of you," he said.
Answering a question about how high up on the agenda eye health care is, Motsoaledi said it's amongst the quadruple burden of diseases South Africa suffers from.
Motsoaledi on quadruple burden of disease in SA
— Khatija Nxedlana (@its_KhaTija) October 27, 2016
1. HIV/AIDS & TB
2. Maternal & child health
3. Non-communicable diseases
4. Trauma pic.twitter.com/0lugjdzNEE