Governors’ Camp provides 20/20 Vision for the Masai. 

 

The battle against eye disease and poor eyesight amongst the pastoral communities living around Masai Mara Game Reserve is being won in a combined operation between Governors’ Camp, The Kwale Eye Centre and AMREF. Sponsored by Governors’ Camp , an eye clinic was held at Governors’ Camp in the heart of the Masai Mara, approximately 70 km from Narok, from 3rd – 6th February. Patients had been screened from both Transmara and Narok districts over the past six months, and those thought to be suitable for surgery were invited to attend the free camp. A surgical team led by George Ohito was flown in from the Kwale Eye centre (courtesy of MEAK and Mombasa Air Services), and a further educational team was provided by AMREF led by surgeon, John Soine.  A special camp was set up which on one night alone accommodated 135 Masai patients, and Governors’ Camp provided meals for all throughout. Torrential rain in the week prior to the camp made conditions difficult, but despite this, Governors’ Camp organized for transport to and from the clinic from all parts of the district, and in total 322 patients were brought in and screened for various eye conditions. 141 were operated on for cataracts and trachoma, and most dramatically 33 patients who had previously been blind had their sight restored. The cost of all this was funded by Governors’ Camp.

 

Comments Mr. Grammaticas, Managing Director of Governors’ Camp, “We are very happy to have assisted by organizing this hugely successful eye clinic for the members of the local Masai community with whom we have enjoyed an excellent relationship spanning over three decades. This was the first ever exercise of its kind to be carried out in the Masai Mara. It is the policy of Governors’ Camp to support local communities in its area of operations, and guests are encouraged to visit various projects and to become involved if they so wish.” “Governors’ Camp recognizes that in order to conserve this unique game area of Africa, the Masai Mara, and the local communities must benefit directly from tourism. Health and education are prime concerns.” concluded Mr. Grammaticas. It was decided by the organizers that alongside the surgical and medical activities, it was important that teaching sessions and demonstrations should also be held, encouraging basic hygiene and eye care in the manyattas. AMREF were invited to provide this service, which they did using their excellent and experienced team from Magadi. 

 

There were scenes of joy and excitement from the patients as the bandages were removed. One Masai elder, previously blind, peeped from under the dressings before the surgeon arrived, and exclaimed that he had seen an elephant on the edge of the camp! Another punched the air and remarked that he would now be able to see and count his cattle again. A Masai lady sat next to her friend and told everyone that she had not seen her face for fifteen years. It was an emotional time for all. Governors’ Camp has vowed to continue with its program of support for the local communities.