ISLAMABAD: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and Pakistan’s Layton Rehmatullah Benevolent Trust, successfully completed 400 cataract surgeries in Chad, the least developed member state of the OIC, the committee said in a statement on Monday.
COMSTECH is one of four standing committees of the OIC dedicated to the promotion of science and technology activities among OIC member states. It was established by the OIC's Islamic Summit in Mecca in 1981. Layton Rahmatullah Benevolent Trust, or LRBT, is Pakistan's largest non-governmental organisation working to fight blindness.
“This initiative aimed at addressing the urgent eye care needs of the people of N'Djamena,” COMSTECH said about the Chad initiative.
“Over the course of eight days, a team of dedicated ophthalmologists from Pakistan organized and conducted a free Eye Camp in severe weather conditions, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of hundreds of individuals.”
The camp aimed not only to provide much-needed eye surgeries but also to enhance local capacity through training and awareness campaigns.
“Pakistani ophthalmologists, renowned for their expertise in the field, shared their knowledge and skills with local doctors, training them in the latest cataract surgery techniques. In addition, post-operative examinations were conducted to ensure optimal patient recovery,” COMSTECH said.
“This successful Eye Cataract Surgery Camp is a testament to the power of international collaboration and collective efforts in making a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and communities.”
An important component of the initiative was launching an awareness campaign targeting the youth, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures against avoidable blindness.
“By engaging with the younger generation, COMSTECH aims to create a sustainable impact on eye health, fostering a culture of proactive eye care,” the statement said.
The free eye camp took place at a local hospital in N'Djamena, with the support of the Ministry of Health of Chad.
“The people of N'Djamena expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Pakistani doctors for their selfless dedication and their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others, even in challenging conditions,” COMSTECH said.
