A team of Spanish eye specialists has arrived in Yambio, South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State, to offer free treatment to individuals suffering from severe eye conditions, including cataracts and blindness.
The initiative, aimed at helping patients regain their sight, focuses on rural populations who cannot afford expensive medical care.
The free eye treatment initiative began today and is set to run for three weeks.
Dr. Albert Salvan, a Spanish doctor leading the mission, explained that this is the fourth such initiative organized by Spanish ophthalmologists in collaboration with the Ave Maria Catholic Mission and the Missionary Community of St. Paul.
“Many people in remote areas cannot access or afford surgery, so we conduct screenings at hospitals like Yambio General Hospital and Tombura General Hospital,” he said. “Surgeries will be performed at Enzara St. Teresa Catholic Hospital during the first week and at Ave Maria Health Centre in the second week.”
The team, comprising four eye surgeons and one optometrist, is working alongside the Missionary Community of Saint Paul from the Catholic Diocese of Gambia. This marks their fourth visit to South Sudan.
Dr. Blanca Garcia, a Spanish ophthalmologist, said screenings are being conducted at Yambio General Hospital, with patients diagnosed with cataracts referred to Nzara St. Teresa Hospital for surgery.
“We are here to help elderly patients who have lost their sight due to cataracts. These operations can restore their vision,” she added.
The team has brought advanced medical equipment from Spain, including microscopes, intraocular lens measurement devices, and slit lamps for cataract examinations. They are also training local health workers to ensure the sustainability of eye care services.
“One of our key goals is to identify and train South Sudanese eye specialists so that these surgeries can eventually be performed locally,” Dr. Garcia explained.
Dr. Ambrose Tsunguza, a local doctor involved in the program, noted that St. Teresa Hospital now operates a year-round eye clinic but requires further support to sustain its services.
“We request a small contribution of 100,000 SSP for surgery, but no one will be denied treatment if they cannot afford it. We encourage people to come for screenings to determine if they need surgery,” he said.
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tambura-Yambio, Barani Eduardo Hiboro Kussala, urged the community to take advantage of the opportunity.
“Eye treatment is very expensive, and many people travel to Juba, Kenya, or Uganda for care. Now, we have specialists here in Western Equatoria. I urge everyone to seek treatment. Without eyesight, life becomes very difficult,” he said.
The initiative has been widely welcomed by the local community, with many expressing gratitude to the Spanish medical team, the Catholic Diocese, and the Ministry of Health for making eye care more accessible.
Western Equatoria State’s Minister of Health, Hon. James Abdallah Arona, praised the team’s efforts. “I am pleased to acknowledge the Spanish doctors, organized under the leadership of the Catholic Diocese of Yambio and the Missionary Community of St. Paul,” he said.
“This project is particularly significant in Nzara County. Last week, the team assessed 388 people, 77 of whom are expected to undergo surgery. We encourage everyone to visit Nzara Hospital for treatment, whether it involves surgery, eyeglasses, or eye drops,” he concluded.