(Salala, Bong, Liberia)— Over one hundred eye patients across Bong County have received free screening and eye surgery, as part of efforts to minimize people living with blindness or eye condition. This was a joint effort by the Ministry of Health, and Samaritan’s Purse in collaboration with New Sight Eye Center.
The exercise, which began on August 9 -13 at the Salala Health Center, did not only attract patients within the County to the Health Center but also gathered patients from surrounding counties of Bong, including Margibi, Lofa and Nimba. Patients who were booked outside of the Salala Clinic were picked-up by Samaritan Purse, enabling them free access to the facility.
According to the Ministry’s statement, the influx of patients—over one hundred—was predicated upon massive awareness initially created by the Ministry and partners, who believe the lives of citizen matter.
Making a brief statement on behalf of government and the Ministry, Dr. Joseph Kerkulah, National Eye Health Program Director of MOH, said: “A total of 139 cases were booked; out of the number, 110 were cataracts while 12 were relatively inconsequential eye related cases.”
As a result of high sunray which could hamper newly regained sight person, Dr. Kerkulah said they have distributed marque new sun glasses among the patients to resist the sunray.
He, however, lauded Samaritan’s Purse and the New Sight Eye Center for unremittingly buttressing government’s efforts during these times of pandemic, and reassumed government’s commitment and collaboration with partners for providing and delivering quality health services for all Liberians.
The Ministry’s press statement further noted that most people who regained new sight were adults, constituting about 95% of the total number of patients who underwent the surgical operation.
“I am Bendu Kollie,from Gbarnga. I got blind from cataract for almost 2yrs. Being blind wasn’t easy but by the grace of God, I was able to regain my sight. I am happy and I feel blessed because if it weren’t for God Almighty I wouldn’t have regained my sight.” Bendu Kollie said.
“I am Cammue Sayoven, from Larwota. I suffered 5yrs of blindness due to the effect of cataract, due to my blindness. I couldn’t work to system myself, but I bless God for my children that stood by me throughout my years of blindness. I am grateful to God for his intervention in my life and the chance. I have once more to live again”, Cammue Sayoven, 89, noted.
The surgical outreach ended with a program, with supporting and implementing partners using the occasion to appreciate government for providing them the space to contribute to humanity, especially in the Country’s health sector.
Signed: _____________________________________
Felecia Gbesioh
Director of Communication