Senegal achieved its first successful eye transplant on Thursday, marking a significant advancement in the country’s eye healthcare, as stated by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
Ophthalmologist Cheikh Khadim Ndoyem and Dr. Awa Diama Thiam performed the cornea transplant at the Swiss Visio clinic in Saly Portudal, Thies, under the supervision of ophthalmic surgeons Andre Mermoud and Dr. Felix Hammer.
The president said the operation combined local expertise and international training, signifying a major milestone for the nation.
The World Health Organisation’s recent report highlighted that one in six blind individuals worldwide resides in Africa, with an additional 26 million people experiencing varying degrees of visual impairment.
Furthermore, the statistics revealed that only 14% of those in need of cataract surgery receive the treatment, and over 80% of individuals with shortsightedness remain untreated.
The report also indicated that 12% of African individuals requiring glasses or surgical interventions for blurred vision receive the necessary care, resulting in significant economic costs for the countries.
According to the WHO, the annual global estimated costs of uncorrected refractive errors and cataracts amount to $14.3 billion.