Health authorities were forced to remove the eyes of nine patients in Nampula province due to complications caused by self-medication for hemorrhagic conjunctivitis. 

Sândia Sumbane, an ophthalmologist at Nampula Central Hospital, told STV that patients lost their eyes because they resorted to self-medication and traditional medicines (including washing the eyes with urine).

The source also said that the number of patients whose eyes will be surgically removed will rise to 11 in Nampula alone, as there are currently two more people at the HCN awaiting surgery.

The ophthalmologist appealed to the population not to resort to home remedies, due to the risk of complications that could lead to blindness.

Regarding the use of sunglasses as a method of prevention and even cure, the authorities explain that this only works for those who have already been infected, to protect themselves from the sun's rays.

During the peak period, the HCN received 30 cases of conjunctivitis every day, but the number has now dropped to three or four cases a day.