Her failing eyesight meant she was no longer able to work on her cassava farm and earn a living. “In my eyes, I have a problem. I can’t see properly; everything is blurry,” she told us.
Thankfully, as part of a project funded by People’s Postcode Lottery, she was able to attend a screening camp, where she was diagnosed with cataracts. She was referred for sight-saving surgery at a hospital a few hours’ drive away.
Just three days later, Aziza had her surgery. When she had her bandages removed, she smiled at the surgeon, able to see clearly for the first time in years. When she was up on her feet, Aziza danced and walked out of the room unassisted, laughing all the way.
When asked if there was anything she would like to say to all those who helped fund her treatment, she said: “I would thank them very much for helping me. If I had something I would give it to them, but the only thing I can say is leave everything up to God; he can repay (them) for everything they did for us.
“I can’t believe I am able to see again so soon after the screening camp and I’m really looking forward to working on my farm and seeing my family again.”
Thanks to players of People's Postcode Lottery, we are able to change lives around the world.
About the partnershipDr Moira Chinthambi received a Sightsavers scholarship to train as an ophthalmologist and now works on our inclusive eye health programme in Malawi.
Alinafe Zaina is studying clinical ophthalmology in Malawi with the help of a scholarship provided by Sightsavers’ inclusive eye health programme.
We’re working with partners in Cameroon and Senegal to ensure people with disabilities are able to take part in every stage of the political process.