Village Ventures Africa

Updates on our programmes….

Again, I’ve been remiss in not writing regularly on our site….
But in part it’s because I’ve been busy on the ground so to speak…

After our Discussions we decided that it was really important to set up another Cataract surgery programme in Diema , Mali..
I’ve mentioned before that we have more than 200,000 people in and around the area..
And although we have done 2 Cataract programmes to date, and examined at least 3000 operated on almost 600, it’s a miniscule amount in comparison to the population..
Also many people had issues getting to see the Dr’s.
There are so many issues that keep people away from the main town…
For many it’s transport..the terrain is really rough, desert, sahel, it’s hard to get from rural villages to the town..
The worst reason of all is when the land is flooded…
When the rains to come, it’s a major deluge…
Normal routes are all blocked and impassable…by the majority…

Hence the reason we chose to set up this year’s programme.
For these rural people’s it’s impossible for them to travel to Bamako the capital to have an eye examination and pay for it as well..
As our programme is done for free, obviously everyone wants to be checked over, especially as there are so many various eye issues…
Our Drs can advise, give out basic medication, spectacles as well for free..

No-one leaves our surgery programme without either sunglasses, spectacles, or eye creams/ drops..
Or support and recommendation for a visit to Bamako for further assistance…

We’re so grateful to help the blind to see