Beta Charitable Trust fully sponsored an eye camp in The Comoros.

One of the poorest countries in the world…

The Comoros is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located off the eastern coast of Africa on the northern end of the Mozambique Channel between northern Madagascar and north-eastern Mozambique.

At 2,235 km², the Comoros is the third smallest African nation by area, and one of the smallest in the world.

With a population estimated at 798,000 it is also the sixth smallest African nation by population (though it consequently has one of the highest population densities in Africa).

Comoros is one of the poorest countries in the world
Literacy estimated at 62.5%... Comoros has inadequate transportation system, a young and rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources

The low educational level of the labour force contributes to a subsistence level of economic activity, high unemployment, and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance.

Comoros has inadequate transportation system, a young and rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources.

The low educational level of the labour force contributes to a subsistence level of economic activity, high unemployment, and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance. Total literacy is estimated at 62.5%

“The Silent Sight thief"

Cataract = opacity that develops in the crystalline lens of the eye or in its envelope.

Early on in the development of senile cataract the power of the crystalline lens may be increased, and the gradual yellowing and opacification of the lens may reduce the perception of blue colours.

Cataracts develop from a variety of reasons, Including long-term ultraviolet exposure

Secondary effects of diseases such as diabetes or simply due to advanced age

They are usually a result of denaturation of lens proteins

Untreated, the cataract can cause phacomorphic glaucoma.

Glaucoma has been nicknamed "the silent sight thief“

•Worldwide, it is the second leading cause of blindness. Glaucoma affects 1 in 200 people aged 50 and younger and 1 in 10 over the age of 80

The President recognises the efforts…

The team comprised arrived in Moroni (Comoro) on Wed 11th April, 2007.

On the same day in the evening: The President of Comoros met the team. In his speech he briefed the poor medical infrastructure in Comoros and welcomed and appreciated the efforts of Beta Charitable Trust.

He also promised to give the invitation in writing to open a medical centre in Comoros.

The operations commence…

On the 12th April, the team departed to Anjuoun which is the home town of the President .

The same day the team started to operate after screening in Dominic.

On the 12th and 13th of April 26 Cataract surgeries were performed including one child who had traumatic cataract.

On the 14th April, Saturday, the team departed to HOMBO HOSPITAL, HOMBO, which was the biggest referral hospital in Anjuon.

The camp started on the same day and continued till 16th of April, 2007.

On the 17th of April,2007, there was a farewell party organised after the post operative review, in which the tireless efforts of the team to help the blind patients were appreciated.

75 surgeries completed

In the final session even the patients, who were operated participated in the recitation of lot of prayers and appreciation and requested that these camps should be a regular exercise because of poor facilities of health care in their country. All in all 75 cataract surgeries were performed and the team returned back