#Ghana #Accra #Orbis International #Flying Eye Hospital

Orbis International's Commitment to Eye Care in Ghana

Orbis International, a global nonprofit dedicated to improving eye care, announced its fourth visit to Ghana with its innovative Flying Eye Hospital, the only fully accredited ophthalmic teaching hospital on a plane. With generous support from the Alcon Foundation, FedEx, and OMEGA, this training initiative aims to enhance the skills of local eye care teams in Accra and Kumasi over a three-week period.

This visit follows a long history of collaboration between Orbis and the Ghanaian Ministry of Health, building on previous efforts that have strengthened the nation's eye care system since Orbis's initial projects in 1990. The current training effort aims to increase awareness of existing eye care resources while also developing vital skills among local healthcare teams, ensuring sustained access to sight-saving care.

Training Details and Collaborations

The initiative encompasses advanced training programs for healthcare professionals focusing on a variety of conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, strabismus, and critical surgical techniques relating to the retina. Medical practitioners from Orbis will be working closely with local experts at prominent institutions like the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), and the Ghana Ophthalmic Nursing School.

Training sessions will include simulation-based instruction on the Flying Eye Hospital, located at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, as well as practical surgical training sessions in Kumasi. Additionally, the program will extend training to nurses, anesthesiologists, and biomedical engineers to create a comprehensive capacity-building experience in Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure.

Adolf Ollennu, the Country Director of Orbis Ghana, expressed optimism about the program's potential impact. He emphasized that elevating eye health as a national priority is crucial for ensuring that quality and sustainable care becomes readily available for all individuals in need.

Historical Context and Future Goals

Since its inception, Orbis has reached over 97 countries with direct training, alongside making eye care accessible in over 200 territories through its cutting-edge telemedicine platform, Cybersight. The long-standing collaboration with Alcon Foundation has ensured that state-of-the-art ophthalmic equipment is accessible to healthcare teams working on the ground, thereby enriching the experience and the effectiveness of the training provided.

FedEx’s commitment to the project, including donating the MD-10 aircraft that was converted into the current Flying Eye Hospital, reflects a dedicated partnership. Volunteers, including pilots from FedEx, continue to support these missions, demonstrating a shared commitment to combating preventable blindness around the globe.

OMEGA has also contributed to these initiatives since 2011, underscoring the significance of joint efforts across sectors to raise awareness and enhance eye care services globally. Their efforts not only involve financial contributions but also strategic support through collaborations with celebrity ambassadors to highlight Orbis's mission.

Recent Developments in Ghana

Orbis's programs in Ghana began in 2014, focusing on pediatric ophthalmology and evolving to encompass a wider approach to eye health across the country. Their comprehensive strategy includes improving hospital facilities, integrating eye care into primary health services, and conducting public awareness campaigns on common vision problems and available treatment options.

Recently, Orbis announced the opening of a permanent office in Accra, further reinforcing its commitment to strengthen eye care in Ghana over the next three years. Supported by the Aumund Foundation, the program plans to expand its reach to 20 districts in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions, thereby improving service delivery to more Ghanaians.

Overall, Orbis International continues to make strides toward reducing avoidable vision loss in Ghana, ensuring that especially children benefit from accessible and quality eye health services, preserving their sight and potential for a brighter future.

Conclusion

With the Flying Eye Hospital's significant role in advancing local capacity in Ghana, Orbis International reaffirms its commitment not only to immediate training and service delivery but to fostering a sustainable health policy framework focused on eye care. This combination of local engagement and global partnerships exemplifies a holistic approach to health development that can serve as a model for other countries.

To learn more about Orbis International and their ongoing projects, visit orbis.org.