Innovative program in Guatemala saves the eyesight of premature babies
Innovative program in Guatemala saves the eyesight of premature babies
Revolutionary Initiative for premature babies in Guatemala!
The committed children's eye doctor Dr. Ana Lucía Asturias did great! For her impressive project to combat premature babies, she is awarded the coveted Else Kröner Fresenius Prize for Medical Development Cooperation 2024. This prestigious honor, which is associated with an impressive prize money of 100,000 euros, will be awarded on October 15th in the impressive backdrop of the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences.
But what exactly is behind this golden price? Dr. Asturias and her team from the Unidad Nacional de Oftalmología have launched a groundbreaking program since 2019, which pursues the goal of saving premature vision in Guatemala. Thousands of treatable eye diseases go blind every year, and this initiative could turn the tide!
a program with serious effects
The numbers are worrying: In Guatemala, almost every fourth baby will see the light of day before the 31st week of pregnancy, often combined with low birth weight and other complications. Many of them are in mortal danger, because premature-born retinopathy can lead to permanent blindness if it is not recognized and treated in time.
"With comprehensive screenings and quick intervention, we can significantly improve health and life of these vulnerable newborns," says Dr. Jochen Bitzer from the Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation, who initiated this important award. In 2023, around 1,750 babies were examined as part of the project, at 281 the dreaded rop was diagnosed. Thanks to the targeted treatment, many affected people were able to save their eyesight!
Cooperation with the Christoffel blind mission (CBM) is another important component. This organization is not only a sponsor, but also a long -time partner. Dr. Rainer Brockhaus from the CBM emphasizes: "This award confirms the hard work of our team, which contributes to minimizing avoidable visual impairments."
interface of technology and tradition
The way to the future will be paved by innovative approaches. Telemedicine is the focus of this innovative project, which is also accessible in the most remote angles of Guatemala. "So that not only in cities, but in every village there is a chance of help!" Emphasizes Dr. Asturias.
With only a strong light and a lens, the little patients can be examined. Based on this simple but effective method, changes in the inside of the eye can be made visible. Treatments include laser therapies or targeted injections - a real progress in the field of ophthalmology!
This initiative will not only change the life of thousands, but also revolutionize the structure of medical care in Guatemala. The prize money is used to further expand the program and to include all state hospitals in the efforts.
background: The Else Kröner Fresenius Prize is one of the highest awards in medical development cooperation. He recognizes outstanding projects every year that sustainably improve health care. The prize money is financed with concrete, helping measures - here one of the most important humanitarian projects in recent years is recognized!
Trying the mission and find out more at: Ekfs website .