Blantyre – Glasgow Link (VISION 2020)

Posted on 05. Nov, 2009 by Erin in Health Links

About the Link

In Malawi there are nearly 5000 children who are blind or have a severe visual impairment. Most of these children have either a preventable or curable cause of blindness. In early 2007 the staff at Queen Elizabeth Children’s Hospital asked for help. They wanted the knowledge to prevent the blindness; and the ability to cure; wherever possible. A specialist eye team from the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow traveled to Malawi to find out what could be offered to provide a sustainable service for the children and the staff. After meeting the patients and the staff; and viewing the facilities; it was agreed that the best way to provide a long-term solution would be for the Glasgow staff to train a group of health care professionals in Malawi; so that they could deliver the necessary health care themselves. As well as the education, there are some essential medical equipment requirements. Additionally, we hope to raise enough money to upgrade the facilities for the children in the hospital. We have established a fundrasing arm of our link, called “Shine A Light Appeal”.

Fields of work

Ophthamology

Contact information

UK
Mrs Coral Brady
Head of Paediatrics, MCN’s Link Coordinator
Glasgow G3 8SJ

Tel: 0141 201 000
Email: coral.brady@yorkhill.scot.nhs.uk

Malawi
Dr Gerary Msukwa
Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital
P.O. Box 95

Email: gmsukwa@malawi.net