The Morogoro region is located in the eastern part of Tanzania
and is one of the largest regions in Tanzania, it has 73,039sq km which is 8.2%
of the country. The region is divided into seven local Government authorities
namely Morogoro Dc, Morogoro Mc, Kilosa Dc, Kilombero Dc, Ulanga Dc, Mvomero
Dc, Gairo Dc and Morogoro Mc.
It has been observed from regular primary eye care outreach and primary health
care facilities that there is high number of cataracts both in adults and
children in the region. Performing Cataract Surgery is the most effective
procedure in alleviating blindness.
In addressing this problem Morogoro Eye Care Program, Beta Charitable Trust and
Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania conduct regular free cataract Surgeries at the
Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) for the underprivileged people in
the Region. During the period of February to April 2020, 258 patients were
operated.
Screening and examination of patients coming for normal consultation, referred
patients from lower level and those who have already been identified with
cataract and other eye diseases is done at MRRH under the supervision of an eye
specialist. This involves the whole process of taking the visual acuity,
examination and admission for those who were identified with cataract.
Those patients found with cataract are admitted and re-examined by a specialist and then assessed by social welfare officer to determine if they qualify for exemptions and possible support from our Partners. After surgery, patients are re-examined/evaluated to detect if there is any early post-operative complication and visual outcome before being discharged. All patients were required to come for evaluation after a week of the surgery.
The procedure for conducting the surgery has changed since the outbreak of COVID-19. All necessary precautions are in place to protect patients and health workers against this infection. The use of slit lamp, a scan and operating microscope are carefully monitored and wiped regularly with sanitizer.
SUMMARY OF CATARACT SURGERY AND PATIENTS ATTENDED
The Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania records its appreciation to the Bilal Eye Camp team, Beta Charitable Trust and Morogoro Eye Care Program members for their support in bringing this event of eye surgeries to a success. We pray to the Almighty to reward them amply.
Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania
Dar-es-Salaam
11th June 2020