Mozambique

Overview

In response to Mozambique’s high rates of cataract-related visual impairment, UOSSM, in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), launched a series of cataract campaigns across the country. These initiatives not only restored vision to thousands but also empowered local healthcare professionals through comprehensive training in advanced surgical techniques. Covering eight locations across five provinces, these missions reached underserved communities and established a lasting foundation for accessible, high-quality eye care.

Objectives

The Mozambique Cataract Campaigns aimed to:

Restore Vision to thousands suffering from cataract-related blindness, primarily in low-income and remote communities.
Strengthen Local Healthcare by training over 100 healthcare professionals in cataract surgery techniques, focusing on long-term self-sufficiency.
Build a Sustainable Impact by partnering with Mozambique’s Ministry of Health for ongoing support and future training initiatives.

Intervention

Our approach involved three main strategies:

Cataract Surgeries: Conducted 5,000 surgeries over three campaigns, reaching patients in hard-to-access areas and significantly reducing cataract prevalence.
Capacity Building: Trained 100+ local professionals—including ophthalmologists, nurses, and technicians—in advanced procedures, ensuring Mozambique’s healthcare system can maintain quality eye care independently.
Strategic Adaptability: Implemented a phased operation strategy to navigate logistical challenges, weather-related issues, and local events, supported by bilingual translators to streamline collaboration between international and local teams.

Impact

The Mozambique Cataract Campaigns created transformative outcomes:

Direct Impact: Restored sight for 5,000 individuals, with the majority from low-income and remote regions, vastly enhancing their quality of life and independence.

Indirect Impact: Positively affected around 25,000 family members and community members as patients regained productive roles, fostering social and economic resilience.
Long-Term Sustainability: Established a skilled local workforce proficient in cataract surgery and committed partnerships with the Ministry of Health, ensuring continued quality care and eye health services in Mozambique.