Before the Launch of the Second Eye Treatment Campaign

Project Overview:
Medical needs in Lalibela remain urgent, particularly for preventable and treatable eye diseases such as cataracts, which affect particularly vulnerable populations. Building on the success of its first cataract treatment initiative last month, April, PBF Memorial Clinic is preparing to launch its Second Eye Treatment Campaign, which aims to restore sight and transform lives.

Since its inception in January 2025, the clinic has rapidly expanded its services and capacity. The local team, led by dedicated health professionals, has made significant progress:

• Over $15,000 has been invested in essential medicinesand the procurement of critical medical instruments.
• Local laboratory capabilities now include a complete blood count (CBC) and other critical diagnostic services previously available only in remote towns.

A solid operational base has been built from scratch. Given the clinic’s short opening and broad scope of work, continuous procurement of materials and equipment was necessary.

These successes underscore both the magnitude of the need and the effectiveness of the measures. The second campaign reflects the next phase of this commitment: to bring specialized eye care closer to home and continue to relieve the people of Lalibela of the financial and physical burden of long-distance medical travel.

This commitment is made possible by the ongoing support of the Peter Bachmann Foundation and the tireless energy of the local team, who continue to work with great personal commitment and limited resources.

While this progress has been considerable, it is not without challenges. As a newly established health facility, there is a continuous need for more equipment, supplies, and adaptations. The clinic team, led by Abebe, Dr. Taddesse, and Getachew, works tirelessly—often at personal sacrifice—to provide effective care to the poor in Lalibela and the surrounding area despite limited budgets.

The Second Eye Care Campaign:
The latest initiative within this project is the second eye care campaign, which will launch in early May 2025. This campaign builds on the success of the first round and reflects the ongoing need for specialized eye care services in Lalibela, which has been the case for decades.

The goal of the campaign is to restore sight through cataract surgery and related treatments – procedures that fundamentally transform patients’ lives and enable them to return to work, care for their families, and regain their independence.

Budget Overview:
The estimated cost of the campaign is listed below. It is USD 15,000. While this table provides a transparent overview of financial planning, the success of this initiative depends not only on resources but also on a shared spirit of cooperation and commitment.

Gratitude and Vision for the Future:
The continued operation of the clinic and the launch of such campaigns are made possible by the tireless support of PBF and its founder, Peter Bachmann. The local team sincerely thanks him for his commitment despite his advanced age, his resilience, and his leadership.

This spirit of PBF lives on in every patient treated, in every improved life, and in every challenge we overcome with compassion and determination.

Abebe Zewdu and the project team