Within the period, 917 (270M, 647F) were reached with eye screening and general health services during community health outreaches at 10 community sites. In February 2023 alone, eye screening activities were conducted 5 sites namely; Gangu Dispensary, Gunda Nina Dispensary, Udenda Chief’s Camp, Nyamboyo Dispensary and Hawinga Health Centre reaching a total of 646 (178M, 468 F) clients with health services. In March a total of 271 (92M, 179F) clients were reached with eye services during screening activities conducted in 5 community sites namely; Masinya Dispensary, Abom Catholic Church, Manyonge Dispensary, Nyabenge Catholic Church and Mawere dispensary. Two surgical outreaches were conducted at Hawinga and Mawere health Centers in Alego Usonga and
Bondo sub-counties respectively reaching a total of 78 (22M, 56 F) clients with free cataract surgeries.
Three schools; Hawinga girls’ secondary school, Thim Ralak Primary School and Ndira secondary school were reached with health outreach services where 655 pupils were sensitized on eye health and 205 were screened on treated or eye conditions during the visits.
JOY AND HOPE – Eye health
Margaret Atieno, a 70 years’ old mother of six and a resident of Mwer Ulanda village, West Alego ward is one of the clients who received eye services. Her eye problem started in 2020 and since then, she had tried various types of eye medication to no avail, but could not access remedial services due to financial constraint and lack of appropriate information on available services in the county. Margaret was diagnosed with cataract during GLOBCOM team screening activity at Nyamboyo Dispensary and referred to Hawinga Health Centre where surgery was successfully performed. Margaret was delighted when her sight was fully restored, and is now able to see clearly. She is thankful to GLOBCOM for the project that brought her joy.
Mary Akoth, 11 years old grade three girl at Ndira primary school in North Sakwa ward was brought for screening following eye problems dating back to 2021 despite medical services from several nearby clinics. It was during this screening activity in Abom Catholic Church when she was diagnosed with cataract. She was successfully operated at Mawere health Centre. The young girl can now smile and rejoice at the restoration of her full sight. She is assured of a bright future as she progresses with her studies, thanks to the cataract project.
Figure; The photo on the left was taken moments before the surgery, in the photo, Mary Akoth is seen being interviewed by Samuel, field officer GLOBCOM. While the second photo was taken after the surgery.
