At least 350 individuals with eye cataracts and 100 trachoma patients will receive free surgical treatment at Bentiu State Hospital in Unity State.
The trichiasis (advanced stage of trachoma) and cataracts surgical camp kick off on Saturday 9 September and will run until next Monday, 18 September.
The initiative, jointly undertaken by the Carter Centre and the Himalayan Cataract Project, began with an awareness campaign over the weekend.
Adam Khor Gatluak, a 70-year-old resident of Unity State who suffers from cataracts, expressed optimism about the upcoming eye surgery camp.
“This coming week, I will undergo eye cataract surgery and with faith in God, He will be guiding the process,” he said.
Khor disclosed that his vision has deteriorated over the past seven years to the extent that he could not see objects six meters away.
Another patient, Sabina Gumaba, 48, said she was happy that she registered and was sure of being operated upon.
“We were provided with registration cards today (Saturday) by the doctors and we are optimistic that our eye surgeries will be conducted, as confirmed by the medical team,” she said joyously. “We implore the Carter Centre to continue offering free eye surgeries to individuals like us who suffer from eye-related conditions.”
“For the past five years, I have been unable to see anything, rendering me incapable of even preparing meals for my children so a successful eye surgery would grant me the ability to support myself and contribute to society,” Gumaba added.
For his part, Dr. Albino Nyibong, the head of the medical team from Carter Centre South Sudan, explained that the preliminary step was to initiate awareness about the surgical camp.
“We initiated an awareness campaign, urging those with eye conditions to visit Bentiu State Hospital,” he said.
Meanwhile, Carter Center Country Representative Jim Nyquette said it is the first time they are carrying out eye surgeries in Unity State and said they are pleased with the high turnout.
“It is the first time we have such a project in Unity State for eye cataract surgery and we are pleased to see the community turning up in large numbers to attend the free eye cataract surgical camp,” he said. “We are providing these services free of charge to our community. The journey will be very meaningful to the blind people from the five counties in Unity State: Mayom, Panyijar, Koch, Mayendit, and Leer.”
Stephen Tot Jokchieng, the acting health minister in Unity State, appealed to those with eye problems to attend the surgical camp.
“I am appealing to the people of Unity State to come and attend this eye cataract surgical camp as it will help our elderly people regain their sight,” he said. “We are very grateful to the national health ministry for sending doctors from the Carter Centre South Sudan.”