In February, a delegation from Light for the World Belgium undertook an inspiring trip to Tanzania to see the progress of the supported projects. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have achieved some significant successes, although many challenges remain.
Erwin Telemans and Rehema Semindu, eye prosthesist at the CCBRT hospital
In Dar es Salaam, the team visited the CCBRT hospital, a long-standing partner of Light for the World. Our support has contributed to the development of the hospital’s ophthalmology department, which has become one of the leading eye care centers in Africa. A key aspect of this success is the emphasis placed on social entrepreneurship, a core value of CCBRT and Light for the World. A recent development is the construction of a new VIP area, much appreciated by Tanzania’s growing middle class. Proceeds from this VIP area will be invested in improving eye care for people with low revenues in Tanzania.
Another highlight was their visit to the regional hospital in Morogoro, almost five hours’ drive west of Dar es Salaam. This hospital, also supported by Light for the World, impressed them with the dedication of its staff. The team enthusiastically shared the achievements of the past year and discussed the challenges ahead. An important part of their discussions: the Early Detection Programme. This initiative, launched late last year thanks in part to the support of the Desmet family, focuses on the early detection of eye problems in children. Initial results are promising: between September and December 2023, 23,000 children were screened for eye diseases. 54 of them were diagnosed and referred to the appropriate medical care.
Light for the World Belgium’s CEO visiting the hospital in Morogoro
Erwin Telemans, CEO of Light for the World Belgium, shares his impressions: “It’s exciting to see how our efforts, with the support of our donors, are producing tangible results. At the same time, we are faced with the reality that the needs remain enormous. Every step forward underlines the urgency of our ongoing work and the need for further support.”
This visit underlines our commitment to improving eye care in Tanzania, and highlights the importance of ongoing support and collaboration. Together, we can make a difference!
