Monrovia – Dr. Simon Arunga, Technical Advisor for Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) in charge of monitoring Anglophone projects in Africa, has commended the New Sight Eye Center (NSEC) for the successful implementation of the Sight First Grant Project in Liberia.
By: Jonathan O. Grigsby, Snr. Contributing writer
The Sight First Grant, funded by LCIF, has enabled NSEC to establish and operate two major eye centers: Liberian Government Hospital Eye Center in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County – valued at $400,000 and the Jackson Fiah Doe Memorial Regional Referral Hospital Eye Center in Tappita, Nimba County – valued at $455,000.
Implemented in partnership with the Greater Monrovia Lions Clubs – Liberia, the project, which began in 2019, aims to enhance eye care services and accessibility across Liberia.
Dr. Arunga Lauds NSEC’s Impact
Speaking during an assessment tour of the two centers in Tappita and Buchanan last week, Dr. Arunga expressed deep appreciation for NSEC’s efforts, particularly the leadership of its Executive Director, Robert F. Dolo, and the dedication of the staff.
“What I have seen, and the level of work being done to provide quality eye healthcare services to the Liberian population, is commendable. The grant awarded to NSEC has been well utilized, and this speaks volumes about the impact of LCIF’s investment,” Dr. Arunga remarked.
He further revealed that NSEC’s impressive track record has opened new opportunities for LCIF to expand its support for additional projects in Liberia, ensuring that both Liberians and foreign nationals residing in the country receive adequate eye healthcare services.
Dr. Arunga also noted that he was particularly moved by the testimonies of patients who have benefited from the Sight First Grant Project. He pledged to advocate for more funding to support NSEC’s initiatives.
“I am pleased to announce that the Sight First Grant Project has now been upgraded to the Vision Grant, which encompasses broader healthcare interventions. Liberia and NSEC stand to benefit immensely as I prepare my report on this assessment,” he added.
Call for Stronger Government Support
While praising NSEC’s achievements, Dr. Arunga emphasized the need for stronger coordination between NSEC and the Government of Liberia to overcome existing challenges in the country’s eye healthcare sector. He urged the Ministry of Health to provide additional support to sustain the gains made under the project.
NSEC Reports Significant Achievements
Providing an update on the project’s impact, NSEC Executive Director, Robert F. Dolo, expressed gratitude to LCIF for selecting NSEC to implement the Sight First Grant Project in Liberia. He highlighted significant achievements at both eye centers.
At the Liberian Government Hospital Eye Center in Buchanan, he outlined that 16,000 patients were screened, over 1,600 eye surgeries performed and 800 cataract surgeries conducted.
At the Jackson Fiah Doe Memorial Regional Referral Hospital Eye Center (Tappita), 10,000 patients screened, over 1,200 eye surgeries performed and 600 cataract surgeries conducted
Dolo noted that the Buchanan center is a five-year project, while the Tappita center is a three-year project.
Liberian Health Officials Commend LCIF and NSEC
Assistant Health Minister for Curative Services, Teyah S. Moore, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health, assured the government’s commitment to working with authorities at both eye centers to ensure their long-term sustainability.
“The Liberian government extends its heartfelt appreciation to LCIF for its contribution to strengthening our country’s eye healthcare services. This partnership signifies a lasting collaboration for the benefit of the people,” Minister Moore stated.
Julius N. Gleekai, Administrator of the Jackson Fiah Doe Memorial Regional Referral Hospital, also lauded LCIF and NSEC for selecting the hospital as one of the beneficiaries, emphasizing that the eye center is providing critical services for patients with eye complications across Liberia and beyond.
Greater Monrovia Lions Clubs Applauds NSEC’s Implementation
Mildred Dean, LCIF Visitation Coordinator for Liberia, speaking on behalf of Greater Monrovia Lions Clubs – Liberia, praised NSEC for fully utilizing the grant for its intended purpose. She noted that the successful implementation of the project reflects positively on Liberia’s ability to manage international donor-funded initiatives.
About Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF)
Founded in 1968, LCIF has provided more than $1.2 billion in grants worldwide to support various humanitarian projects. With 1.4 million members in 49,000 clubs, LCIF serves communities in nearly every country on earth.
About New Sight Eye Center (NSEC)
Established in 2009 and officially launched on August 4, 2012, in Paynesville, New Sight Eye Center (NSEC) is a Liberian private, non-governmental organization dedicated to improving eye healthcare services across the country.
With the successful implementation of LCIF’s Sight First Grant Project, Liberia’s eye healthcare sector has seen remarkable improvements. The praise from Dr. Arunga and other stakeholders underscores the impact of NSEC’s work and paves the way for future collaboration between LCIF, NSEC, and the Liberian government to enhance eye healthcare services for all.
