There’s a famous anecdote about a little girl who walked along a beach after a storm, tossing stranded starfish back into the safety of the ocean. When asked why she bothered when there were thousands of starfish, she replied, “I made a difference to that one.” Last week, I told you about how women and… Continue reading A starfish on the Kenyan plains
Category: Kenya
Lions and elephants and crocs, oh my
A big, cold glass of water is one of life’s simple pleasures. When you’re thirsty, there’s nothing better. But what if, on the way to the tap or water dispenser, a lion leapt out at you? Or an elephant charged you? Or a 15-foot long crocodile with a big toothy grin was lurking in wait?… Continue reading Lions and elephants and crocs, oh my
Frontline workers reach remote patients in Africa (Part 2 of 2)
Last week, I told you how many African countries are training frontline workers, including public health care staff, schoolteachers, midwives and traditional healers, to identify eye problems and other health concerns when they are working in the community. This type of community development program is highly effective in identifying health risks. When I was at… Continue reading Frontline workers reach remote patients in Africa (Part 2 of 2)
Frontline workers reach remote patients in Africa (Part 1 of 2)
When medical personnel are scarce and rural populations are sparse, it’s time to get creative. Basic eye care is a significant problem in many parts of Africa; in fact, sub-Saharan Africa has one of the highest rates of visual impairment and blindness in the world. Poverty, disease and lack of access to eye care all… Continue reading Frontline workers reach remote patients in Africa (Part 1 of 2)