By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) Kaduna State Branch has screened and performed cataract surgeries on 50 indigent patients in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The exercise is part of MWAN’s Corporate Social Responsibility and activities lined up for the 2025 Biennial Conference and Scientific Meeting, which will hold in Kaduna from August 31st to September 4.

Speaking to newsmen at the sideline on Tuesday in Gambo Sawaba General Hospital in Zaria, Dr. Aisha Mustapha, President of MWAN Kaduna State Branch, lamented that some people carry their surgical conditions for over 10 years because they cannot afford it.

Mustapha explained that cataract is the commonest cause of blindness, affecting the eye lens. 

“Once the lens is affected, blindness is gradual until it becomes total. Cataract is amenable to treatment and surgery, unlike other causes of blindness that are more difficult to treat, like glaucoma,” she said.

Mustapha added that some patients cannot afford cataract surgery, which is why the association decided to restore sight to 50 indigent patients. 

She noted that age, trauma, and some medications could cause cataracts, but mainly age, and commoner in older people.

She restated the association’s commitment to enhancing maternal, infant, and young child health. 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the association would also perform surgeries in different specialties, including gynecology, surgery, and otorhinolaryngology, free of charge.

“Apart from these cataract surgeries, there will be a free medical outreach where indigent patients in the community at the Emir’s Palace in Zaria will be seen and treated free of charge,” she said.

Mustapha disclosed that the association also intends to screen at least 150 women to prevent cervical cancer.

The conference will feature a scientific session with chief medical directors, CEOs, vice chancellors, and a formal meeting with political leaders on health and research.

“We are also going to discuss a very apt theme, which is global health, ethics, and transformational leadership in a changing world,” she said.

Some beneficiaries thanked MWAN for restoring their sight and improving their quality of life.

One of them, Maimuna Abdullahi, an octogenarian, thanked MWAN for the kindness and generosity. 

She said she can now see clearly and expressed optimism to be able to perform her daily tasks without difficulty.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the national president-elect of MWAN, Dr. Zainab Mohammad-Idris who hails from Kaduna, would be inaugurated during the biennial conference.

NAN reports that it is the first time the conference would be held in the North after 47 years.