subject: Poverty in 3rd Globe Nations [print this page] Cataracts are the foremost lead to of blindness around the entire world and have an effect on 17 million people.
The lens of the total eye, usually a clear spherical disk that focuses the light that enters the total eye, turns into cloudy. More than time, the cataract grows and blocks much more of the lens.
In numerous cases, cataracts are associated to the getting older procedure, although children can be born with the condition, or a cataract may possibly create following vision injuries, irritation, and some other eyesight ailments. Even though cataracts can be surgically removed, in numerous nations surgical providers are inadequate. Cataract remains the main lead to of blindness.
* Affects nearly 17 million individuals
* Almost 48% of all blindness is due to cataracts
* Due to the fact 85% of the cataract-blinded individuals stay in the world's poorest countries, they can't afford operations and stay blind.
Men, women and children all over the world can see, or see better because of the work done by Christian Blind Mission International (CBMI) in 2005. A statistical analysis of the impact of the organization's efforts reveals that more than 12 and a half million were assisted.
The organization has a goal of providing one million cataract surgeries by its centennial year of 2008. Last year alone, more than 600,000 received the life-changing operations from CBMI volunteer doctors, or doctors trained by the organization. In many cases these surgeries cost the recipients nothing.Harkey with Children
"I am excited about the numbers of lives being affected by the life-changing services of Christian Blind Mission. The impact on families to help them take care of their children and other family members is key to the work of this organization," said Alan Harkey, President of CBMI USA.
"People are important--their needs are important to CBMI--people like Katunda Wiliam of Uganda. Before we were able to reach him with cataract surgery, he depended on one of his youngest sons to guide him.
"Now he can see," Harkey added. "He can work and help provide a living for himself and his loved ones. To this little family in Uganda, Katunda's cataract surgery will always be remembered as the "miracle" that changed their lives."
One of the most significant changes since the previous world report is the increase in the distribution of Mectizan tablets. Mectizan is used to prevent river blindness. Nearly 3 million tablets were distributed by CBMI, an increase from just over 2 million previously. The organization also more than doubled its distribution of vitamin A tablets to more than 800,000.
More than 45 thousand nationals were trained in eye care and working with people with other disabilities at more than 1000 locations around the world supported by CBMI. CBMI also partners with more than 700 other organizations to ensure that those needing medical assistance receive it.
"For just a few dollars, you can help change a lifetime of blindness into a lifetime of sight and hope," said Jeff Watson, who served as CBMI's Oncho Control Program Coordinator in Nigeria for more than 10 years.
"A gift of $35 to CBMI pays for an adult like Katunda Wiliam to receive cataract surgery," Watson continued. "This simple sight-giving surgery can mean the difference between poverty and life to a family in Uganda and many other countries in Africa, Asia, and South America where CBMI works."
About 10 percent of the co-workers in the field for CBMI come from the US.
Christian Blind Mission Inc. International (CBMI) is the leading provider of eye care programs and services for people suffering from blindness and other disabilities around the world. Since 1908, this nonprofit, Christian ministry has been rehabilitating and healing blind and disabled people in the world's developing nations. Currently CBMI supports more than 1,000 projects in 113 countries -- primarily in Asia, Africa, Latin America and in Eastern Europe. CBMI is committed to meeting the physical and spiritual needs of the world's poorest populations -- regardless of nationality, race, gender or religion.
