A five-day free cataract surgery sponsored by the Rotary Club of Banjul begins on Wednesday at the Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre (SZRECC) in Kanifing. The free sponsored cataract campaign will be offered to 100 patients mainly from North Bank Region. The campaign also coincides with the 1st anniversary of the inauguration of the centre and country’s 43rd independence anniversary.

Speaking at the official opening of the cataract campaign, Dr Winston Ceesay Chief Executive of SZRECC thanked the Rotary Club of Banjul for the laudable initiative. He expressed his centre’s desire to provide an eye care service to all Gambians. “ To the Rotary Club of Banjul, you are not only restoring sight but you are freeing many young people who guide these people,” he said.

For her part, Mrs. Fatou Bin Jobe Manneh, President of the Rotary Club of Banjul, expressed their pleasure in supporting the campaign. She promised they would endeavor to sponsor the campaign annually. She used the forum to present the cheque for D35, 000.00 for the free cataract surgery campaign. She gave credit to Dr. Ceesay of SZRECC for coming up with the idea.

Other speakers at the occasion included Mr. Momodou Bah of Sight Savers International.
Mrs. Mariama Kebbeh, a patient, gave the vote of thanks.

Mr. Sarjo Kanyi, Administrator SZRECC, chaired the ceremony, he stressed that cataracts are curable and everyone has a right to access treatment.

The occasion was also attended by Rotarians and cataract patients.