Sierra Leone DX pedition 2011

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THE CHARITY PROJECT

Sierra Leone 2011

Blindness Project - MercyVision

Blindness and vision impairment in Sierra Leone has a detrimental impact on quality of life and socioeconomic conditions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 75% of all blindness is preventable or treatable with medical and surgical interventions; cataracts are responsible for almost half of this preventable blindness. In addition, a growing number of children living in poverty have vision impairment and problems, yet do not have access to necessary treatment. As a result, an increasing number of children are losing their sight; of these, almost 60% die within a year of going blind.

The MercyVision project is designed to address many of the surgical and medical eye needs of the Sierra Leonean people. The primary emphasis of surgical intervention is the removal of cataracts and a reduction in the prevalence of blindness throughout the country. Non-surgical eye care will focus on the alleviation of problems associated with allergies, infections, injuries, and pain. The project will also distribute sunglasses to help prevent cataracts by blocking UV rays, and supply reading glasses to visually impaired patients.

In addition to the surgical focus, the MercyVision project will provide opportunities for non-formal training and mentoring for local surgeons and eye health providers. This training will help build the in-country capacity to provide eye services, helping Sierra Leone achieve its Vision 2020 goal of reducing cataracts and blindness.

The Sierra Leone DXpedition team will support and sponsor this Mercy Ships Blindness Project "Mercy Vision" financially. You can help us with your donation so that local surgeons and eye health providers can be trained to build the in-country capacity. Thank you!

Radio Expedition Sierra Leone 2011 - disclaimer