By Foday Moriba Conteh
As part of their efforts towards addressing the critical need for accessible and affordable eye care in rural communities in the country, the Baptist Convention Sierra Leone (BCSL), in collaboration with Christian Blind Mission (CBM) and the Ministry of Health, has on Saturday 7th December, 2024 inaugurated a Primary Eye Centre in Mongo, Falaba District, a milestone project that promises to deliver essential eye care services to residents of Mongo and the entire Falaba District, Northern Sierra Leone.
Welcoming the gathering, the Paramount Chief of Mongo Chiefdom expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Baptist Convention Sierra Leone (BCSL) for inaugurating the Primary Eye Centre in the chiefdom. He described the initiative as not only significant but also exceptionally timely.
The Paramount Chief highlighted the challenges previously faced by residents of Mongo and its surrounding areas, who had to travel to Freetown for eye care services. This journey, he noted, incurred significant financial costs and posed great inconvenience. “With the establishment of this Primary Eye Centre, those burdens will now be a thing of the past,” he remarked.
He further assured the gathering that the residents of Mongo Chiefdom would prioritize the safety and proper utilization of the facility to ensure it serves the community effectively and benefits future generations.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Joseph S. Fornah, Executive President of the BCSL, described the event as a transformative moment for the region. “This centre is more than a building; it is a beacon of hope for individuals struggling with preventable blindness and visual impairments. It symbolizes the faithfulness of God and the power of partnerships,” he said.
Dr. Joseph S. Fornah highlighted the holistic mission of the BCSL, which seeks to address not only spiritual needs but also the physical, social and emotional well-being of communities. The Mongo Primary Eye Centre is a practical demonstration of this mission, following the recent commissioning of a similar facility in Kamakwie, Karene District.
The Primary Eye Centre will offer cataract screenings, treatment for common eye conditions and referrals for advanced care, prioritizing respect and compassion for every patient.
Global statistics reveal that at least 2.2 billion people worldwide experience vision impairment, with nearly half of these cases preventable or treatable. Dr. Joseph S. Fornah emphasized the significance of this centre in bridging the gap for underserved populations, particularly in rural areas where financial and geographical barriers often limit access to care.
He expressed gratitude to CBM for its commitment to improving the lives of persons with disabilities and to the Ministry of Health for ensuring the initiative aligns with national health priorities. “To all our partners, I say thank you for your belief in this initiative and for joining hands with the BCSL to make it a reality,” he remarked.
As he concluded, Dr. Joseph S. Fornah encouraged the people of Mongo and Falaba District to embrace the centre with gratitude and responsibility. “Let us care for this facility, use its services wisely and continue to advocate for health improvements in our communities,” he urged.
The inauguration was marked by a call for continued collaboration to ensure the sustainability and impact of the centre. Dr. Joseph S. Fornah’s message was a rallying cry for unity and commitment, emphasizing that the centre stands as a testament to what can be achieved when faith and partnership work hand in hand.
Representing the Deputy Minister II of Health, Dr. Lloyd Harrison-Williams, the Acting Program Manager of the National Eye Health Program (NEHP), delivered the keynote address, marking the event as a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s efforts to ensure equitable eye care services across all districts.
Dr. Harrison-Williams highlighted the historic achievement of having a functional Government-owned eye care facility in every district in the country. He attributed this success to the steadfast support of CBM, the dedication of the BCSL and the tireless efforts of project leaders, including Pastor Alfred Sima Kargbo and a committed team of eye care specialists.
The Primary Eye Centre in Mongo is equipped to address the leading causes of blindness, such as cataracts and glaucoma. Dr. Harrison-Williams emphasized the critical need for early diagnosis and treatment, particularly for glaucoma, often referred to as the “Silent Thief of Sight” due to its asymptomatic onset until advanced stages.
He urged residents to take advantage of the centre’s services, including annual eye checks, as early detection can prevent irreversible blindness and identify systemic conditions like hypertension and diabetes that affect eye health.
Dr. Harrison-Williams praised the skilled personnel at the centre, including Pastor Titus Turay, one of the nation’s top ophthalmic specialists, who has been appointed as the centre’s lead. He assured the community that referrals for complex cases would be promptly managed and plans are underway to organize surgical camps at the centre to reduce the burden of traveling to urban areas for procedures.
He also noted that several local healthcare providers, like Mary Thoronka, have expressed interest in ophthalmology training, a move aligned with NEHP’s long-term goal to establish sustainable and equitable eye care services nationwide. Efforts are being made to integrate ophthalmology training into university curricula, ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified professionals.
Dr. Harrison-Williams encouraged the Falaba District Council, private sector stakeholders and philanthropists to support the centre, making the working environment conducive for staff. He emphasized the importance of community collaboration in maintaining the facility and utilizing its services effectively.
In alignment with the 2024 World Sight Day theme, Dr. Harrison-Williams concluded by urging residents to instill the habit of regular eye checks in children, fostering a culture of proactive eye care.
The inauguration of the Primary Eye Centre in Mongo represents a transformative milestone in delivering quality, inclusive and accessible eye care to residents of Mongo and its surrounding areas. This initiative is set to significantly improve the quality of life for thousands in the region, underscoring the Baptist Convention Sierra Leone’s (BCSL) dedication to holistic community development and well-being.
