In 2006 we trained 45 people to carry out lid surgery
Father and Son
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| Mudashiru with his father © Zul Mukhida / Sightsavers |
Mudashiru is six years old and has had trachoma for around four years. When his parents saw his eyelashes turning inwards, they began to cut them off. Mudashiru has constant discharge from his eyes and is in a lot of pain. His father Mu'azu Sahabi, 35, also has advanced trachoma and his eyelashes are starting to turn inwards. "I have some pain in my eyes," he explained. "But I've had it for around 15 years so it is just part of life."
The family comes from Illela LGA, which is about 100km from Sokoto in Nigeria. They heard the advert on the radio, so his father has brought him for treatment. There is a lot of trachoma in their village. Mu'azu is a business man, and runs a butchery. It cost him 600 Naira (£2.40) for the return trip to Sokoto. He can afford the cost, and says it is not a problem. For him "health is better than wealth", especially for his child.
Mu'azu knows about trachoma and is well-informed about the F&E elements of the SAFE strategy. "I heard about this from a radio advertisement, and know about keeping my home hygienic. My family now uses water to wash our faces. I think the surgery will have a positive impact on my son."
After Mudashiru and Mu'azu have had their operations, they do not have any pain. The lid surgeon has given Mu'azu some information about how to look after the eyes after surgery.
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