We are Attentive! CBM Responds to Pediatric Eye Care Gap in Zambia

CBM will be responding to the high demand of specialized pediatric care at Kitwe eye hospital by constructing a pediatric eye unit. This government regional tertiary hospital, in collaboration with CBM, has an impressive track record, having conducted 40,000 consultations, 2,000 cataract surgeries (100 pediatric, 100 Phaco, 1,800 SICS), and 2,000 other surgeries (1,600 adults, 400 pediatric) annually between 2021 and 2023. Kitwe Teaching Eye Hospital is located in the Copperbelt province of northern Zambia, and serves a vast region, including the Copperbelt, Luapula, Northern, Muchinga, and North-western provinces, with a catchment population of approximately 8 million.

Currently, with CBM’s support and funding from RTL/SDL, Kitwe Teaching Eye Hospital is planning the construction of a pediatric unit aimed at improving the quality of pediatric eye health services. This new unit will further enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide specialized care and training, ensuring better eye health outcomes for children in the region.

In addition to providing comprehensive eye care, the hospital offers specialized training for general ophthalmic services, medical retina, glaucoma, and pediatric eye care. With a dedicated team of over 115 staff members, Kitwe Teaching Eye Hospital is also developing a robust telemedicine system. Key staff members have been experienced in using slit lamps for digital imaging since 2003.

The longstanding partnership between Kitwe Teaching Eye Hospital and CBM, established in 2003, has been instrumental in the hospital’s success. This collaboration has implemented over four projects funded through free and LCDF funds. These projects have supported various initiatives, including service delivery at the base hospital, outreach (both surgical and non-surgical), medical supplies, infrastructural development, equipment support, and staff training.

Shiloh’s Story
This facility will be a blessing for children like Shiloh who travel long distances to access specialized care. At just 7 months old, Shiloh is the first in line for surgery, scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. Despite the early hour and chilly morning, she has been fasting since 4 a.m. Yet, she remains amazingly calm and hasn’t shed a tear.

Her mother, Grace Mulungu, is understandably anxious. The prospect of surgery is daunting for anyone. Grace has been receiving frequent calls from her husband, who had to go to work on a nearby farm to support the family. They all want updates on Shiloh’s condition.

“When are you bringing Shiloh back home?” Grace shares that her son has been eagerly asking when his little sister will return.

Shilo’s eye started tearing up, and she would constantly rub her left eye until it turned red. Grace could not bear seeing her daughter in such discomfort and decided to seek help. Fortunately, Kitwe Eye Hospital was organizing an outreach eye camp. On the day of the camp, Grace took Shilo to the outreach center in Chingola district, where doctors advised that Shilo would need surgery. The family agreed to the doctors’ recommendation, hoping Shilo would find relief. The surgery was successful, and the growth was removed, pending further examination.

CBM continues to uphold its reputation for being attentive, life-changing, and mobilizing.