GES embarked on its first mission to Kenya in 2014 and has since then returned to Kenya four times, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and long-term transformation. These missions have focused on providing vision restoration surgeries, training medical personnel, expanding eye clinics, and even venturing into the establishment of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
In 2022, our mission to Kenya was greeted with enthusiasm by Sister Julianna Moses and her dedicated staff. Our team was granted full access to the operating room and eye examination facilities, enabling us to deliver vital eye care services to those in need. Simultaneously, we embarked on training local medical personnel in basic eye care, equipping them with the skills to serve their communities more effectively.
This collaborative approach reflects our belief in building sustainable healthcare systems that go beyond immediate interventions.
While we remain dedicated to eye care, the team recognized an opportunity to extend their expertise and support to meet additional healthcare needs. Sister Julianna expressed her aspiration to expand the hospital’s services to include a NICU, a crucial resource for premature births. Answering this call, we welcomed Nina Marcellus, a passionate volunteer with specialized knowledge in NICU nursing and Nursing Education. Nina’s expertise proved invaluable as she provided consultations, impromptu lectures, and ongoing support to guide the establishment of the NICU. This unexpected collaboration exemplifies our commitment to holistic healthcare and its readiness to adapt to the evolving needs of the communities it serves.
Our team encountered unforeseen challenges during their mission, including missing supplies detained by customs in the country where they’d traveled for a previous mission. However, undeterred by these obstacles, the team demonstrated resilience and determination. With the support of SEE International and other pharmaceutical organizations, they managed to acquire the necessary medications and successfully performed cataract operations on 15 patients. Our Kenya partners’ efforts to purchase additional medications further mitigated the supply shortage, ensuring that patients were not burdened with extra costs. This resilience exemplifies our unwavering commitment to making a positive and sustainable impact.
The 2022 Eye Mission to Kenya has left an indelible mark on the communities it served. By providing vision restoration surgeries, training local medical personnel, and supporting the development of a NICU, we have showcased our dedication to comprehensive and sustainable healthcare.