We conducted an interview with Saban Coskun, who joined IHH team and went to Africa in the previous years to observe cataract operations performed by the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation.

How many operations did you perform so far in the region? What was the average age for those operated on?

I went to Somali in 2005. During my stay there, we performed 490 cataract operations with the IHH team there apart from other aid works. Three doctors, three nurses, an anesthesiologist, a pediatrician, all from Kenya, and personnel of the local hospital took part in operations. Those who should be operated on were diagnosed by the only oculist in Mogadishu. Some patients underwent operation for one eye and some for both. Out of those operated on five percent were children (these were born with cataract), 15 percent aged over 60 and the rest aged between 40 and 45.       

I saw in those people who were waiting to be operated on the change from despair to hope; an impatient, happy and anxious wait. It gives an undefinable peace to witness grateful looks of the patients, who lack the opportunity to undergo an operation at another time and place, and their relatives and the way they express their feelings. When I was there I asked myself why we didn’t perform more operations.    

We witnessed big smiles on the face of these people, who were waiting hopefully and excitedly for the bandages to be removed, and grief-mixed happiness on the faces of their relatives when they first saw the light. 

What moved you most during your stay there?

I can never forget the patients who underwent cataract operation thanking us numerously with grateful looks when leaving the hospital. I was also moved by the contentment of people like children and the eyes shinning with joy when we drilled water wells with the IHH team. I wished I could also do something personally for African people, which strengthened my admiration for the IHH.

What else do you think can be done to fight against cataract in Africa?

The sole oculist in the region could be trained in Turkey; he could be provided with tools and an office or new oculists could be trained. 

You have been to Africa and observed local problems. Can you share with us your observations?

I once again realized the fact that in this country, Turkey, we have many opportunities that we are not aware of. I saw a handful of people struggling to educate people who have nothing for dinner, who have no guarantee for the future, who are deprived of educational opportunities and who live in regions where security and power are nonexistent. I thought, when I was there, that if we were living in these conditions, we would throw in the towel in the beginning.  

Is there something else you want to add?

I want to note that an eight-member family can live on $120 for one and half month in Africa. This note shows that even a small amount of donation you make will have a huge significance there.  

We thank you Mr. Coþkun for the information you provided.