Sometimes, a gift which we think it simple may have greater value and change the life of the receiver for the better. Especially, if it is delivered during a very difficult situation and in time of need, the satisfaction it creates in both parties – the donors and the receivers- is multifaceted. Since I met Woineshet Nadew and Hanna Misgana in the Communication Head Bureau of The Ethiopian Eye Bank, at the Menelik II Hospital last Wednesday, I never thought of the real value of donating cornea after death – restoring the sights of individuals, caused by corneal blindness “I am here to pledge my cornea and betterment the life of someone who is in vision loss due to cornea related diseases,” said Woineshet happily. Woineshet, a nurse, said though there are hundred thousands of people who lost their sights due to cornea and corneal diseases, the demand and supply is incomparable. “This has made me to reconsider it and to donate my corneas after death.”
In fact, she added, over the years, the number of people pledging for corneas is growing and people have undergone cornea transplant surgeries and restored their sights. Unfortunately, when the demand compared to the supply is entirely incomparable. So as a human being, supporting the Bank’s effort has special meaning to me as nothing is more impressing than seeing people rejoice for restoring their sights.
Hanna, also a nurse and a friend of Woineshet, for her part said that corneal blindness is incurable unless the patient undertaken cornea transplant surgery. “When you donate your cornea, you are helping someone to restore his/her vision. And donating it after death can bring a greater sense of purpose to your life and makes you eternal in the hearts and minds of the receiver even after you passed away,” she noted.
According to her, when she first mentioned the issue of pledging cornea to her soul mate, he was shocked and surprised by her decision. However, after he realized how her corneas ameliorate the future of the receiver, he agreed. Corneal blindness is one of the sources of blindness for many fellow citizens compelling them lead miserable lives. “Thus, I am glad to pledge my cornea with my own free will and support the endeavors of the Eye Bank’s in that regard.
The community should also develop the culture of pledging cornea to lessen the pain and burden of fellow citizens exposed to corneal blindness.” Eye Bank of Ethiopia Manager Lemlem Ayele for her part said that the Bank is working with communities at grassroots like schools and various associations and celebrities to raise the awareness of corneal blindness and promote cornea pledging. Consequently, encouraging progresses are seen in terms of pledging though the demand side is huge where the supply is still low.
Nega Demsie, Public Relation and Awareness Creation Head with the Bank for his part noted that despite all measures to uplift the eye donation movement through public awareness and celebrities’ engagement, the gap between demand and supply of corneas in the country is not at the desired level. According to him, on various occasions organized by the Bank, a lot of people have made pledges to offer their corneas. However, due to a number of constraints, including inattention and lack of motivation among staff from the Bank coupled with unawareness of the deceased family members about the pledge, it is not possible to harvest all the pledged corneas accordingly.
The religious myths regarding to organ donation is also challenging the effort. As to him, the Bank is receiving one pledge per day and it has developed the culture of naming Ambassadors of the day to encourage others. In this regard, So Woineshet Nadew and Hanna Misgana are titled as Ambassadors of the day. “As the two professional donors are at their younger age [20s], we appreciate the commitment they have in terms of nurturing the seeds of volunteerism on the new generation. We expect the public to follow the same suit and develop the culture of pledging cornea. The Bank will keep on doing its efforts persistently to wipe out corneal blindness and make differences,” Nega remarked.
Herald March 20/2019
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
