The campaign, which was launched with the slogan “If You Help They will See” and targets 100,000 operations in 10 African countries, is continuing. Cataracts operations were completed in Benin, Togo and Ghana. They will continue in Niger, Chad and Sudan. 

The IHH has mobilized to actualize cataract operations in abovementioned countries. Meanwhile, Niger is preparing for operations, while successful reports flow in from countries where cataract operations were actualized.

Abdurrahman Abdulvaris is one of hundreds of Ghanaians who were brought to light in the Ghanaian city of Wa. Abdulvaris was born into a poor family in 1992. His right eye has lacked vision for four years due to cataract. The IHH extended a hand to Abdulvaris.  

GHANAIAN ORPHAN BROUGHT TO TURKEY

Abdulvaris, who lost his father the previous year, is living with his mother and two brothers. He had become very pessimistic about life when the lack of visual sense was added to sorrow of losing his father. His grandfather applied to the IHH when it announced via radio stations that people suffering from cataract would be operated on. Abdulvaris was examined and later underwent an operation. His both eyes can recognize light now.   

HIS VIEW OF LIFE CHANGED

Brought to Turkey to attend “The Third Orphans Meeting,” Abdulvaris said the operation changed his life and gave him opportunity to visit such a nice country like Turkey, adding, “I had always feel frustrated due to cataract in my right eye. I couldn’t believe it when my eye was treated. The first thing I did after the operation was to play with my friends. I was very happy. I can now run, play and walk as much as I want. I attend sixth grade and can read quite well now.” 

HE WANTS TO BE A TEACHER

Thanking God and expressing his gratitude to benevolent Turkish people and the IHH, Abdulvaris said: “Africa is a continent where hunger and poverty is widespread. My country Ghana also has crucial problems. I am aware of them. Benevolent people of a different country helped me to see light. I will be more ambitious and study harder from now on. My aim is to become a teacher. In the future, I also want to help needy people in my country and other countries as my Turkish brothers and sisters do.”