The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) has offered free cataract surgeries to no fewer than 50 residents of Zaria, Kaduna State.
The medical outreach, which also featured a range of health check-ups and treatments, was part of activities marking the association’s 24th Biennial Conference and Scientific Meeting held in Zaria.
According to the President of the Association, Doctor Aisha Mustapha, the outreach was aimed at enhancing the well-being of citizens, particularly in the wake of the increase of cataract cases in the country.
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The free medical and surgical outreach is expected to last between 19th and 31st of August, with cervical cancer prevention services to 150 women.
Fielding questions from journalists during the outreach, MWAN’s President explained that, some people carry their surgical conditions for over thirty years due to lack of availability of funds, hence their decision to give free medical services to the affected people.
Speaking on the primary cause of the disease, Dr. Mustapha attributed cataracts to age-related changes in the lens of the eye.
“As people age, the proteins in the lens can clump together, causing clouding and leading to the development of cataracts. While aging is the most common cause, other factors can be genetics, eye injuries, certain medical conditions, and long-term use of some medications.”
On the prevention, she disclosed that someone can significantly lower the risk and potentially slow their progression by adopting healthy lifestyle choices and getting regular eye exams.
In their separate remarks, the beneficiaries expreseed gratitude to the organisers of the exercise.
Grace Akema, aged 59, a beneficiary of the free medical surgery explained that for many years, she has been with the disease in which she could not afford to operate.
She prayed God to grant the organisers more financial power to do more and extend hands of help to other people who are also in need of such help.
Meanwhile, the Association applauded the unwavering support of the Emir of Zazau, HRH, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli towards the exercise and the 24th Bennial Conference.