Inclusive Eye Project reaches out to over 1,000 patients with cataract surgery

Malawi: Over 1,000 visually impaired patients have had their sight restored thanks to an inclusive eye care project, writes Judgement Katika.

The project, which is funded by the Christian Blind Mission (CBM) of the United Kingdom and managed locally by the Malawi Network of Elderly Persons Organization (MANEPO), is aimed at ten districts, nine in the central region and one in the northern region.

According to Frank Mariko, the project officer for inclusive eye health at Nkhoma Hospital, they are providing live-transforming services to communities.

Maliko stated that people are capable of doing things on their own and that it is amazing to see them regaining control of their lives following cataract surgery treatment.

In her remarks, Inclusive eye project manager Linda Matita stated that eye health is one of the most neglected conditions in Malawi, and they are working to raise awareness about it.

According to Michael Peter Masika, national eye care coordinator in the Ministry of Health, the government is training many doctors about cataracts despite challenges such as a lack of human resources and adequate funding.

Mchinji, Kasungu, Lilongwe, and Nkhotakota are among the districts targeted by the project, with Nkhotakota aiming to assist 7,200 patients in three years.