«Mana Mèssè» campaign in the Kara Region: more than 200 cataract patients successfully operated

---

Extract from the article: More than 200 pre-identified cataract patients from Kozah, Binah, Bassar and Doufelgou prefectures were operated on at the Kara-Tomdè Regional Hospital (CHR). This surgical operation, which took place from 25 to 28 September 2023, is initiated by...

---

More than 200 pre-identified cataract patients from Kozah, Binah, Bassar and Doufelgou prefectures were operated on at the Kara-Tomdè Regional Hospital (CHR). This surgical operation, which took place from 25 to 28 September 2023, is initiated by the NGO Lumière Divine in partnership with the Ministry of Health. It was made possible thanks to the technical and financial support of Mercy-Ships. This campaign is part of the third phase of the project called «Mana-messè» or «Vue retrouvé». This mission marks the end of surgical operations started in 2021 and which aims to operate cataract on 600 people in the Kara region.
Cataract, a clouding of the lens of the eye, is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in the world. However, with proper care and access to surgery, cataracts can be treated effectively. Thus this surgical operation carried out at the CHR Kara, aims to relieve the pains of the beneficiary patients, from rural areas through a free surgical operation to allow them to recover their sight.
During four days, the medical team composed of senior technicians in internal ophthalmology of the NGO Lumière divine accompanied by their colleagues of the CHR Tomdè, operated on more than 200 patients suffering from cataracts. The operated patients will be followed for two weeks by community health workers (ASC) and technicians of the NGO to ensure compliance with the instructions given for the dose of the drugs to be taken and the dressing to be done. They must also see the evolution and recovery of patients.

Four-step process

The «Mana Mèssè» Zero Cataract campaign took place in four crucial stages, from screening to the post-operation phase. The process began with medical teams trained specifically for this campaign, travelling to the most remote communities to screen cataract patients.
“Screening is crucial because it identifies people who need surgery. This initiative aims to detect and treat cataracts, a common but largely under-diagnosed eye disease in the region. Cataracts are often diagnosed late, thus aggravating the situation of patients,” explained Bill Agblewonou, Secretary General of the NGO Lumière Divine and Director of the mission.
The screened patients are then transported back and forth and accommodated in the accompanying village renovated by Mercy-Ships during the surgical management. In this team of ophthalmological surgeons, assisted by specialized nurses, supports each case individually. Extensive pre-operative reviews were conducted to ensure the safety and effectiveness of interventions.
Surgical intervention and post-operative follow-up
Cataract operations have been successfully performed, using modern techniques and advanced medical equipment. Each patient received personalized attention to minimize risks and ensure optimal recovery.
Surgical interventions are performed in the operating room of the CHR Kara which has been reinforced with equipment by Mercy-Ships for maximum efficiency of operations.

“After the surgery, we set up regular follow-up consultations to monitor recovery and treat any potential problems. This ensures that patients recover optimally and can fully enjoy their new vision. It is essential to ensure that patients recover properly and that there are no complications. We also provide comprehensive kits and post-operative advice for complete recovery,” added Bill Agblewonou.

Lives transformed

The people’s support for this operation was obvious. Among the beneficiaries of this campaign, 67-year-old Kpaikpai Ayo expressed his gratitude: “I couldn’t believe I could see again. It’s a miracle for me.” His testimony resonates with that of Batai, 54, who regained his smile and independence thanks to this operation. As for Koumayi Ankou, retired, 65, “this initiative is of great importance in the lives of all of us who are beneficiaries. I can only express my gratitude to the initiators. The community needs these kinds of initiatives to be free and healed. May other partners follow in the footsteps of the NGO Lumière Divine and its support partners.”
The Secretary General of Divine Light also expressed his gratitude to the government and its partner Mercy-Ships who work for the well-being of the health of the Togolese population, especially that of the most vulnerable communities. The overall objective of this Mercy Ships program is to contribute to improving the coverage, access and quality of cataract surgery in Togo. Mercy Ships proposes to offer Togolese populations free management of their cataracts by giving priority to poor patients in very underserved communities.

Sight is a precious asset that needs to be preserved. Blindness, the main visual illness, must appeal to strong solidarity. Its support is a symbol of social cohesion. In Togo, the 2014 survey on eye health among people aged 50 and over, estimates at 5.6% the prevalence of blindness, 64% of causes are related to cataract. Cataract is a real public health issue with significant implications for socio-economic development. There are more than 200,000 cases of cataracts in Togo.

Launched on November 4, 2021, the campaign called «Mana-Messè» or «La vue retrouvé» aims to carry out free 2000 cataract operations from September 1, 2021 to September 30, 2023.

Raymond DZAKPATA