The initiative started by Dr Albu 31 years ago, aims to help, uplift and support vulnerable communities who are deprived of health care and certain services.
South Africa (31 March 2022) – The Doctors For Life International (DFL) teams have, over the years, successfully restored vision to countless blind people from vulnerable communities through its Aid to Africa outreach programme. The DFL health community outreaches not only change lives profoundly but save lives by providing access to medical consultation and healthcare for vulnerable communities without the burden of cost to the patient.
Cataract surgery is one of the safest surgical procedures in medicine, with a high success rate. But members of vulnerable communities experience greater risk factors and worse access to healthcare and are dependent on the goodwill of initiatives such as the Aid to Africa community outreach programme. This initiative aims to help, uplift and support those vulnerable communities who are deprived of health care and certain services.
Dr Albertus van Eeden, fondly known as Doctor Albu, started DFL as far back as 1991. He is assisted by full-time staff members and a large group of volunteers from around South Africa and other countries. DFL now has over 1,500 members, consisting of professionals, doctors, dentists, specialists, and veterinarians. Vulnerable communities are at higher risk of poor health because of harsh socio-economic realities. They suffer from illnesses or disabilities, and many communities in sub-Saharan Africa fall under the category of vulnerable communities.
DFL has stepped up its efforts to address the need of poverty-stricken sub-Saharan countries, and in 2001 when they initiated the Aid to Africa community outreaches to improve and extend the reach of health care. It allows the team to provide free medical examination, do eye surgery and supply medical treatment through short-term, mobile medical clinics. In practice, this means that groups of people (specialists, doctors and helpers) donate their time and expertise for a brief period to provide free surgery and care in remote places in sub-Saharan Africa where people are in huge need of medical assistance. During these outreaches, they also facilitate primary health education in communities, and they train healthcare workers to ensure sustainability.
Over the years, the DFL team has been helping vulnerable communities in South Africa, Lesotho, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana, Sudan and Mozambique. They plan to expand their help and assistance to other countries where people are in great need.
The inspiring stories of life-changing and lifesaving incidents and the patients’ gratitude and happiness are heart-breaking. It is heart-breaking because it seems so unfair that poor people have suffered so much because of a lack of infrastructure and facilities. A simple medical procedure that many sometimes take for granted can change a life in such a profound way.
Countless people are affected by cataracts, and the negative impact and drawbacks cataracts can have on people’s everyday lives are enormous. Simple day-to-day tasks such as making food are difficult and frustrating. Cataract surgery has significant emotional and lifestyle benefits, and patients are happier and more satisfied after undergoing surgery.
“Seeing how happy people are after the shields are removed is a privilege”, says Johan Claassen, who puts all the logistics together for the outreaches.
This is a daunting task, taking into consideration that it sometimes takes 5 -8 days for a team to reach their destination through rough territories and poor road conditions. But the gratitude expressed by a Zulu woman who could not see at all before her cataract surgery makes it all worthwhile.
After the shields were removed from her eyes the day after her surgery, she exclaimed spontaneously: “Thank you to the One no man can see. Now I can see the Man (One) no eye can see.”
Such gratitude really says it all! These blind people, after their sight is restored, feel more independent and have a greater appreciation for their lives.
The Aid for Africa outreach has changed many lives since its inception in 2001. So far:
- More than 250 000 people have been helped free of charge
- Over 4 500 people received free glasses and can see better, and
- A further 200+ dental patients found relief.
- A medical and maternity clinic in Zavora, Mozambique (established in 2009), where approximately 25 000 patients have been treated free of charge, and
- A second clinic in Chikuluma, Malawi (established in 2019).
Outreach programs such as Aid to Africa are a selfless dedication of time and other resources to benefit and improve the quality of life of others. Taking the time to help others and be kind to them can reap incredible emotional benefits to a donor. And while we can’t all join the DFL team on their life-changing missions, we can contribute as much as we can afford. For ways you can contribute or donate, visit DFL’s website at www.doctorsforlife.co.za.
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