CBM is an international Christian development organization whose primary purpose is to improve the quality of life of the world’s poorest persons with disabilities and those at risk of disability, who live in the most disadvantaged societies.
Thanks in part to a generous grant from the Gloria Dei Foundation, the Boa Vista SOLE eye hospital in Angola served a record number of patients in 2006, providing eye care services to more than 14,500 people, an increase of 40% from 2005.
Angola is one of Africa’s most devastated countries, bearing the effects of a decades-long civil war, scattered landmines, a destroyed transportation system, and little civil or political structure. In this context, CBM partners with SOLE, an Angolan consortium of Evangelical churches, to provide comprehensive eye care in Benguela and throughout southern Angola.
Boa Vista has undertaken a number of internal initiatives to expand its capacity to serve an even greater number of patients. The organization has grown its governing board from seven to eleven members and continues to strengthen its local partnerships. These developments position Boa Vista to garner support at a local level.
Furthermore, CBM is invested in the long term success of Boa Vista, and has committed to support a three year plan to double the eye unit’s surgical capacity and expand its training program. This internal strengthening will in turn support Boa Vista’s goals to generate greater awareness on the prevention of blindness; better meet the eye health care needs of Benguela and the surrounding communities; and extend service to un-served and under-served areas.
While our aim is to reach the greatest number of people in need, it is at times important to remind ourselves of the individual impact on those we serve. I think that this note from one of the patients treated at Benguela to the doctor who treated him is a powerful testimony to the work that we do:
My name is Francisco José Cacissa, and I have had vision problems since 2002. In Luanda, I had tried to get treatment, but I did not get anything. But, people told me it is better to go to Benguela where I will find the salvation of my eyes. We took the road to here, we found the doctor that treated me and operated one eye, now I am already able to see as when I was young. I am thankful a lot for that hospital, and I admire it as a miracle of God. Thank you very much, doctor.
On behalf of Mr. Cacissa, and the others that we serve, thank you again for your dedicated support.