By Samwel Ndoni, Songwe
At least 700 residents of Songwe Region will receive free cataract surgery during a six-day medical camp at Mbozi District Hospital in Vwawa.
The camp is jointly organized by Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital (MZRH) and Helen Keller International, with support from the Alcon Foundation. It seeks to reduce preventable blindness and expand access to eye care in rural areas.
Dr. Jofrey Josephat, Songwe Regional Eye Care Coordinator, said the outreach aims to bring essential services closer to those who cannot afford specialized treatment.
“This camp targets villagers who have long suffered from cataracts but lacked the means or access to treatment,” he said.
Ophthalmologist Dr. Barnabas Mshangila explained that the surgery is quick and painless, restoring sight within a day. “For many, it is the chance to see the world again,” he said.
Helen Keller International project manager Athumani Tawakali said the initiative also covers Mbeya, Njombe and Iringa regions. He commended the government and local health authorities for their support.
Beneficiaries such as Edward Mkoko and Ericka Mziho thanked the organizers for bringing free services to their communities.