Kasoa Kas City Lions Club, Kasoa Kas-City Leo Club and WATBORG Eye Services support Weija Leprosarium with eye screening, assorted detergents

There was jubilation amongst residents of the Weija Leprosarium within the Ga South Municipal of the Greater Accra Region when members of Lions Club International and WATBORG Eye Services support with a donation of assorted detergents to keep the clothes and environment clean.

Also, the benevolent humanitarian organizations further conducted an eye screening exercise for the residents to ensure they had the best of vision.

The duo exercises took place last Monday, October 29, 2023, at the premises of the Weija Hospital where the residents are housed.

Speaking in an interview with the Soireenews. com, the Director of WATBORG Eye Services a partner, Dr. Boateng Wiafe noted that the exercise forms part of activities lined up by the collaboration to repose hope in the residents and disabuse the notion that they have been neglected by society.

Dr. Wiafe reassured the residents that though they are caught up in such a situation, the future remains great. He said for this purpose that some of them have unwaveringly resolved to support.

The items were received by Dr. Narh Abigail on behalf of Revered Father Andrew Cambell, Founder of Lepers Aid Committee and Parish Priest of Christ the King Catholic Church in Accra, who expressed a heartfelt appreciation to the Lions Club international and Watborg Eye Service for their kind gesture and promised the items will be used for the intended purpose.

On his part, the Director of WATBORG Eye Services, Dr Boateng Wiafe intimated that there could not have been a better time to demonstrate love, compassion, and affection to the residences than now, therefore urging benevolent organizations to support them and put smiles on their faces.

Given that, the donation and eye screening were aimed at safeguarding the health of the residents, he was upbeat that it will go a long way to relieve the residents. He therefore appealed to benevolent organizations to come to the aid of the residents with clothes, footwear, detergents, and any other thing to make life meaningful for the residents.

Leprosy, according to the World Health Organization(WHO), is an age-old chronic infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. The disease affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes.

He underscored the need for their pathways to be cleared off any impediments on the way to allow their feel movement.

Leprosy is curable and treatment in the early stages can prevent disability, according to World Health Organization(WHO).

Apart from the physical deformity, persons affected by leprosy also face stigmatization and discrimination.

Being a neglected tropical disease (NTD), its presence can be felt in over 120 countries, with more than 200,000 new cases reported every year.

On his part, the President of Kasoa Kas-city Lions Club, Lion Darlington Oghenede disclosed that the donation was occasioned by the indication that the residents of the Weija Leprosarium were in dire need of regular eye checkups and basic amenities.

He said that embodying the Lions Club International's spirit, where there's a need, there's a Lion, rises to the occasion to provide free eye check-ups and additional donations to the Leprosarium.

The donations, he added were made voluntarily, stemming from the club's commitment to serve.

The Club President disclosed that both the donation and screening were meant to solve two primary needs which stood; first, the importance of clear vision cannot be overstated, as it directly affects the quality of life adding, "Our eye screening initiative was aimed at detecting and addressing potential vision problems.

Secondly, maintaining a clean environment is vital for overall health, especially in communal settings like the Leprosarium.

Talking about the sustainability of the initiative, the Club President noted, "We have scheduled visits to the Weija Leprosarium every three months.

This timeline aligns with the recommendations of our partner, Watborg Eye Service. During these visits, we will be conducting eye checkups and making necessary donations".

The President further added, "Detergents play a crucial role in ensuring cleanliness and hygiene. In a communal setting like the Leprosarium, maintaining a high standard of cleanliness is essential for the well-being of the Leprosarium residents.

Furthermore, proper hygiene practices reduce the risk of infections and other health complications.

Apart from detergents, we also prioritize toiletries to cater to their personal hygiene needs, ensuring they lead a dignified and healthy life. In terms of measures to sustain the initiative, the Club President noted that their inaugural visit saw generous medical supplies support from Renie Chemist Pharmaceutical Ltd therefore leveraging on their significant contributions to bolster the Club's mission, they are optimistic about garnering even more support for our subsequent visits, ensuring a consistent and impactful outreach. In conclusion, the Club President demonstrated, "Upon our visit, it became glaringly clear that one of the most profound challenges faced by people with Leprosy is societal stigmatization. We appeal to everyone to remember that compassion and understanding are at the heart of every community. These individuals, like all of us, seek acceptance, love, and respect. Let us break the chains of prejudice and foster an environment where everyone, irrespective of their condition, feels valued and included. And also for more community members, businesses, and institutions to come forward and support initiatives like these. It's a collective effort, and the more hands we have on deck, the broader and deeper our impact can be. Together, we can co-create a community where everyone's essential needs are met and they can lead a dignified life".