A Christian charity which provides health services in Rwanda says it’s delighted over the success of a three-year project aimed at protecting the vision of people living in rural communities.
CBM UK says that together with an eye unit in the Catholic Diocese of Kabgayi, its See the Way Rwanda appeal provided treatment to 35,608 people, including carrying out cataract surgery for almost 2,000 people living in four rural districts.
The programme, which has now concluded, was made possible because of donations of £845,000. That money was match-funded by the UK government, raising over £1.8 million in total.
CBM UK says that when the project started only 17.5 per cent of eye health consultations met quality standards, but comprehensive training, mentoring, and essential equipment increased that figure to 73 per cent.
The charity says that by improving the eye health services in four districts, people no longer have to travel across the country for treatment. For many, the unaffordable cost of travel was a huge barrier to accessing the care they needed: “Strengthening the capacity of local, rural services is a game-changer for many people in need of eye health care.”
One patient, Velena, was in need of cataract surgery, but for her, treatment was impossible without help because the hospital was too far away and transport was unaffordable. However, because of the project, she was able to receive support to travel and received sight-restoring cataract surgery. She said: “I am happy to see everyone again. I am happy to see my neighbours and my grandchildren. I am happy to see them all again.”
CBM UK has also used the donations to make services more accessible to people with disabilities, including fitting wheelchair ramps and accessible toilets at four district hospitals. Staff have also been trained in disability inclusion.
Valerie, who had her sight restored by the project said: “I couldn’t get the money to take me to the hospital. I could only stay here like this, just like this, just waiting, sitting here. I feel I was waiting for God to make some miracles for me. I can now see everyone, and I can walk around without the support of others.”
Thanking its supporters, CBM UK said they had “changed the lives of thousands of people now, and for many years to come.”