Research reports indicate that as human lifespans increase, the global blind population is estimated to reach 125 million by 2050, with the situation being most severe in Africa. A study published in The Lancet Global Health journal points out that vision problems are more prevalent among the elderly. However, most cases of blindness can be reversed through cataract surgery.

It is estimated that 4.8 million people in Africa are blind, and 16.6 million suffer from visual impairment. This is believed to be due to limited medical resources and a lack of ophthalmology services in regions outside urban areas.

Tzu Chi and IsDB Join Forces to Address Eye Diseases in Africa

In April 2023, the Tzu Chi Foundation and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) launched a collaborative initiative to combat eye diseases in Africa and signed a memorandum of understanding. Plans are in motion to provide 19 sets of cataract surgery equipment to six African countries, including Djibouti, Somalia, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali. Among them, Djibouti, Somalia, and Guinea are new countries added to Tzu Chi’s list of humanitarian aid recipients.

The aid project has already begun offering cataract surgery services in Mozambique and Guinea, with an estimated 14,000 people expected to receive surgical services. Additionally, three mobile ophthalmology clinics will soon be deployed to Guinea, Djibouti, and Somalia to conduct vision screenings and other related eye examinations for local residents.

(Written by: Tzu Chi Foundation)