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Partners In Health

Foundation for African Medicine and Education

African Services Committee

Micronutrient Initiative



The next Board meeting to select new grantees is April 6-9, 2009
page title: field Stories

Helen Keller International (HKI), Tanzania; A Second Chance at Sight

a second chance

Amina receiving trichiasis surgery
Amina Omary Ajali
Amina Omary Ajali is a farmer living in Namakungwa village of Tunduru District in Mtwara Region, Southern Tanzania, where water is very scarce. She and her neighbors are forced to walk long distances to fetch water. Not surprisingly, water is usually reserved for the most urgent needs – drinking and food preparation – and it is in such environments that trachoma thrives.

Amina suffered from trichiasis for over two years before hearing that help was available through the Izumi Project. She was of 15 residents from her village who were screened for trichiasis and advised to have surgery. “I was so happy to hear that my eye could be saved. I have a neighbor who has had this problem for many years, and unfortunately the doctors are unable to help her because her eyes are just too damaged.”Catching trichiasis before irreparable damage is done to the fragile cornea of the eye is crucial.

The trachoma surgeons worked as a team to operate on all the 15 residents in her village. Before surgery, a specially trained nurse counseled and reassured Amina on the surgical procedure. The surgery to correct trichiasis is a simple and quick procedure, taking less than 20 minutes.

“I am so relieved to have had this surgery,’ she explained. ‘I will no longer be in pain, and I can better look after my family instead of relying on others.”

The health workers also educate community members on the cause of trachoma and how to prevent infection by face-washing and appropriate disposal of faeces. “The problem in our village is that there is never enough water,” Amina said, “But I now know how important it is to make sure by grand children’s faces are kept clean so that they don’t have to suffer like I did.”

Mwanahamisi Salum

Mwanahamisi

Mwanahamisi being screened for trichiasis by a trachoma surgeon, prior to surgery.
Mwanahamisi Salum is an elderly resident in the village of Namwinyu, Tunduru District. For over one decade, she has suffered the debilitating consequences of trichiasis. “I have had this problem for a very long time. I used to cut my eye lashes, but this only gave short relief,” she told HKI’s Eye Health Field Coordinator. “I was in a lot of pain, and had to force myself to work. I had to fetch water, cut firewood and cook because there was no-one to help me,” she explained. Mwanahamisi being screened for trichiasis by a trachoma surgeon, prior to surgery Mwanahamisi was encouraged to seek help after she saw how her brother benefited from sight-saving surgery for trichiasis. “Even though I was a little afraid, I was determined to have the surgery because I knew that I would get relief from the pain,” she said.

Patients who receive surgery often become powerful advocates for surgery in their communities. This is very important because some people are understandably afraid to come forward for surgery. Mwanahamisi has made it her mission to encourage more of her neighbors to seek help. “I cannot stand to see other people suffering from trachoma because I know how painful it is and how easy it is to get help. Some people are afraid but I will take time to advise them to have the surgery.