Since 2018, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been supporting a series of “eye camps” in Somalia, providing treatment and surgery for a range of eye conditions like cataracts. In many cases, people have regained their sight.
The eye camps are held at local medical centers and include screening, surgery, treatment, health education, and counseling. In addition to the services provided, student doctors are also trained in surgical techniques to create a sustainable and ongoing system of care.
“Eye problems, like many other health issues in Somalia, often go untreated,” said Dr. Fuad, MSF medical coordinator for Somalia. “Common conditions such as cataracts can lead to blindness, which often leads to losing one’s livelihood—a devastating outcome, especially in a country where many people face a daily struggle to survive due to internal conflict and chronic poverty. The relatively simple surgery [to correct this condition] has a huge impact on patients’ lives, improving their chances of living with dignity and health.”