The ratio of ophthalmologists in Mozambique is one for every one million inhabitants, ophthalmologist Margarida Chagunda revealed today in Maputo, suggesting that other professionals should be involved in eye health.

"Human resources for health in general are very limited, and for eye health even more so. We have 32 ophthalmologists for a country of 32 million people. So one ophthalmologist for one million people, and we have around 250 ophthalmology technicians. That's far too few for our needs. There is still work to be done to have more professionals, not just in ophthalmology," he said.

She suggested the need to expand ophthalmic appropriations to other health professionals so that eye health services are closer and more available to the population.

"There is some limitation in the knowledge of the field of ophthalmology on the part of other health professionals," he said.

Speaking in an interview with Rádio Moçambique, he said that as of Sunday (14) the country had around 60,800 cases of hemorrhagic conjunctivitis. The provinces of Maputo, Sofala and Nampula have seen the most cases. The provinces of Tete and Manica have the fewest reported cases, with just over 300 and 500, respectively. Currently, around 500 cases are reported in 24 hours.

He explained that although there are a high number of cases, with a downward trend, the situation is not alarming, as hemorrhagic conjunctivitis is a benign disease.

"Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis is a benign, curable disease. You won't be ill for more than 10 days. As it's a viral disease, there's no need to use any kind of antibiotic for treatment. The disease cures itself with just the right home treatment measures. There's no need to be alarmed," he explained.