Partnership Agreement to Improve Ophthalmology Services in Bangui, Central African Republic
Thanks to the initiative of the Apostolic Nunciature of the Central African Republic, a significant partnership agreement was signed on July 4, 2024, in Bangui with the Ministry of Health and Population and the Community of Sant’Egidio. This agreement, aimed at improving the ophthalmology services of the local hospital, promises to bring tangible changes and significant benefits to the local population.
The hospital in Bangui, particularly its ophthalmology department, has long struggled with severe shortages and outdated equipment. Thanks to this collaboration, a clinical mission will be launched that promises to revolutionize cataract treatment and enhance the local healthcare infrastructure. In addition to providing 500 free cataract surgeries, the mission will also completely renew the equipment in the ophthalmology clinic and department. The instruments brought by the mission will remain at the hospital’s ophthalmology service, further strengthening its capabilities.
A strategic collaboration between various institutions for sharing resources, knowledge, and expertise.
The DREAM Program has been present in Bangui since 2018. It has become a model for the care of chronic diseases and provides holistic, free care for various conditions affecting both children and adults. On this occasion, Sant’Egidio once again demonstrated its extraordinary commitment to building a global solidarity network, uniting institutional forces and resources. Thanks to its stable presence on the ground, it can serve as a bridge for communication between the hospital and the various activities outlined in the agreement.
Details of the Agreement – Mission Objectives:
- Improvement of Equipment: The provision of specific ophthalmology equipment for the hospital’s service.
- Surgical Mission by Clinical Staff from the Puglia Region: Organization of a surgical mission led by specialists from the hospital in Bari, Italy, to treat cataract cases.
- Exchange of Best Practices: Promotion of knowledge and clinical experience sharing between the Bari team and the Bangui team.
- Free Access: Provision of free cataract surgeries for the needy population.
This partnership not only highlights the power of international collaboration in healthcare but also demonstrates the commitment of the involved parties to improving access to essential health services for the most vulnerable communities. This marks the beginning of greater cooperation for the well-being of people across the Central African Republic.