Sightsavers volunteer Frances is greeted by children on a visit to a local school

Trip of a lifetime day 1 - part 2

In the afternoon, following a snatched lunch, the group was driven out to the countryside surrounding Lilongwe, along rutted dirt tracks, to visit post cataract surgery beneficiaries. Hilda, a programme manager from the country office accompanied us, and remained with the group for the next four days introducing us to various contacts at the projects and locations we visited. A small television crew from Malawi TV and a journalist from a national newspaper joined this part of the visit, resulting in a piece being broadcast on national TV later in the week.

The first stop was to meet Fainess Sandifora, who had been operated on just six months ago. For three years before that she had been blind, and was depressed at being unable to work. She had not expected to see again but heard locally that something could be done, and had both of eyes operated on.

Fainess was happy to demonstrate her re-found capacity to work, including lifting a heavy bale of grass which proved too heavy for Frances from our group! Next was thirty-five-year-old Daison Nduta, who also had cataract in both eyes. A farmer and mini-bus driver with eight children, Daison underwent two separate operations, and is now delighted with his ability to see and work.

A small television crew from Malawi TV and a journalist from a national newspaper joined this part of the visit, resulting in a piece being broadcast on national TV later in the week

During this visit Frances noticed a young woman standing behind the group, holding a baby. She was blinking repeatedly, and when invited to come forward was seen to be suffering from trachoma. When asked why she had not had this treated, she explained that she could not afford to buy food and the transport required to go for treatment, and had therefore chosen food for the baby. Her details were noted, and the group was assured that something would now be done to ensure that she was treated.

We then met Spellinar Chikunkhiro. Her church had suggested she should visit a local eye camp, where she was advised to have the operation. This took place last December, and again the results were excellent. The group was subsequently informed that health surveillance assistants have proved cheaper than conducting eye camps. Their duties include seeking out individuals with eye problems, and if found they inform the country office.

As the group left the village the local children spontaneously, and with great enthusiasm formed a choir, giving an absolutely delightful performance, singing and waving as we departed.

Achievements

 


Working with our partners in 2010, we helped to:

• Protect over 23 million people for river blindness
• Perform over 273,000 cataract operation
• Provide training and support to over 4,500 people who are irreversibly blind