Sightsavers Mozambique’s Mercia Cumaio named Eye Health Hero

Sightsavers’ Mercia Cumaio has been named an Eye Health Hero for 2019, in recognition of her dedication to eye care services in Mozambique.

The accolades, awarded by the International Association and Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), recognise eight young and upcoming leaders who are making a difference in eye health. The ceremony was held at IAPB’s Council of Members meeting on 8 October in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Mercia, who is programme manager for the Nampula eye care programme in Mozambique, has worked at Sightsavers for nine years. She gave a presentation at the ceremony about her work and her commitment to eliminating trachoma as a public health problem in Mozambique.

Sightsavers’ deputy project director Moses Chege, who nominated her for the award, said: “I am delighted that Mercia’s hard work, commitment and passion for eye health and trachoma prevention has been recognised. She is an inspiration and an excellent role model on what sheer determination can help to achieve.”