The Togolese government has inaugurated a renovated public ophthalmology center in Baguida, a suburb of Lomé, to enhance access to specialized eye care services. The center, located opposite Baguida pharmacy in Golfe 6 commune, is equipped with modern diagnostic, treatment, and surgical equipment, with a focus on cataract treatment. The facility was renovated to address the country's eye care needs and provide quality services to the population.
The inauguration ceremony, which took place on September 17, 2026, was combined with the launch of a campaign for eye disease screening and cataract surgery. The center's renovation and equipment were made possible through a joint financing effort by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and Christian Blind Mission (CBM). The project is part of a program aimed at strengthening social structures in Togo from 2024 to 2026.
The new center is expected to become a national reference point for eye care, particularly for children and for continuous practical training for optometry and ophthalmology students. Dr. Kokou Wotobé, Secretary General of the Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that eye health is a major public health issue. He encouraged the center's staff to maintain their commitment to quality care and stressed the need for regular equipment maintenance and staff training.
The center aims to address major challenges in specialized eye care, including the lack of infrastructure, equipment, and specialized healthcare professionals. It will offer quality eye care services for conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors. During the ceremony, Dr. Wotobé invited all stakeholders to ensure rigorous monitoring of healthcare infrastructure and services across the country.
German Ambassador to Togo, Stefan Anton Messerer, reiterated his country's support for Togo's healthcare efforts, emphasizing that eye health is essential for socio-economic development. He expressed his country's commitment to accompanying the Togolese government's efforts to improve healthcare for all. The mayor of Golfe 6 commune, Kokou Amenyénou, welcomed the center, saying it meets a pressing need in the community.
The center's inauguration is part of the Togolese government's efforts to improve the healthcare system and ensure access to quality care for all citizens. The government has expressed its determination to preserve vision, prevent avoidable visual impairments, and bring eye care services closer to the population. The center's realization aligns with the health sector's vision of building an accessible, robust, and resilient healthcare system.
The inauguration ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the center's plaque and a symbolic ribbon-cutting. The center is expected to significantly improve access to eye care services in Togo, particularly for cataract treatment. Key stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, which is seen as a significant step towards improving the country's healthcare system.
Key points
- The Togolese government has inaugurated a public ophthalmology center in Baguida to improve access to specialized eye care services.
- The center was renovated and equipped with modern equipment through a joint financing effort by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and Christian Blind Mission (CBM).
- The center aims to address major challenges in specialized eye care, including the lack of infrastructure, equipment, and specialized healthcare professionals.
