Comprehensive major event in Gashena: eye treatment in January

Our quarterly eye treatment in our clinic in Gashena took place from January 5 to 7, 2024. The turnout was enormous and met a great need.  The meeting was planned for 70 to 80 patients, women and men, but 211 were welcomed by our team. Our expectations were far exceeded and our financial budget increased threefold. Thanks to the purchase of medical instruments in December last year, the costs were reduced by fifty percent.  The commitment of Dr. Abraham from Woldya and our entire team deserves great recognition.  Some of the patients have had to travel very long distances and live in completely neglected, remote areas. These facts have particularly motivated our employees, eight trained specialists, to undertake this unplanned large-scale operation.

The numerous Orthodox priests, all patients, opened the event with a prayer service.

The following statistics emerged from the 211 eye patients diagnosed:

– 57 cataracts
– 36 TT (trichiasis after trachoma)
– 21 end-stage glaucoma or acute cases
– 25 cases of concrements or lithiasis
– 72 infectious and other eye diseases

A total of 109 surgical interventions were performed in three days, most of the diseases were already at an advanced stage. 72 patients were treated minimally on site with medication. The consequences will be assessed at a later date. 47 patients received minor surgical treatment and 62 patients required major surgical intervention.

Eight medical professionals participated in this major outreach program. Blessings and sincere thanks from the patients are recorded in the pictures and videos:

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<video 1: click here>
<video 2: click here>

Ashenafi Mamo, Head of the Emmanuel Clinic in Gashena