An agreement was signed by OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation and LRBT recently under which LRBT would carry out widespread outreach programs for the prevention of blindness in the African region of OIC member states. Under the plan, initially, 400 sight-restoring cataract surgeries were scheduled to take place in Niamey, Niger.
It was necessary to carry out a due diligence/repair & maintenance visit through a pilot team to establish serviceability of the required ophthalmic equipment. Following repairs and installation of the equipment, 25 cataract surgeries were conducted by the team leader, Dr. Khalid Masood Ashraf. The essential consumables for the 400 surgeries were acquired in Pakistan and a six-member surgeons’ team left for Niamey on 31st January 2022.
The inauguration of this project took place on 3rd February by Niger’s Health minister along with Pakistan’s Ambassador.
A total of 418 cataract surgeries were conducted during the five working days available there. Pakistan Embassy led by His Excellency, Ali Ahmad Sirohi was very supportive and all assistance was given by the Embassy personnel in making this activity a complete success.
The Director-General Professor Brah Suleymaneh and Dr. Amza Abdou, Head of the Eye Department at Lombard University Hospital were very appreciative of the quality and services provided by the visiting team.
LRBT will continue to support this effort, as and when required, which will help alleviate curable blindness in the region of OIC member states.