Health
CGSGI and the Fundación Carlos Slim have partnered to provide the necessary resources to deliver 50,000 cataract surgeries over four years to underserved populations in Peru.
Treating Cataracts in Peru
Currently, CGSGI is focusing on alleviating the burden of cataracts in underserved populations in Peru. While cataracts are generally associated with aging, they also can be caused by pollutants in unsafe drinking water and by a diet lacking in Vitamins A, C, and E – realities faced by millions of impoverished people around the globe. Today, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the developing world. Cataracts are highly treatable, though, and the surgeries to correct them are inexpensive and require very limited post-surgery follow-up. Unfortunately, the need for cataract surgeries in the developing world far exceeds supply. In Peru alone, authorities reported 83,000 untreated cataract cases in 2007.
To address this issue, CGSGI, Fundación Carlos Slim, and the Peruvian Ministry of Health have committed to deliver 50,000 additional cataract surgeries over the next four years to the most underserved populations in Peru by supporting the costs and logistics related to the necessary medical equipment, supplies, personnel, and transportation. The goal is to build the country’s capacity to provide these surgeries long into the future, efficiently and at scale. In the near term, the program provides patients with this simple, life-changing medical procedure, significantly improving their quality of life.
PROFILE
While cataracts are relatively inexpensive to treat, they are the leading cause of blindness in the developing world. The Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative is providing the resources for 50,000 cataract surgeries. Read more »
