A 69-year-old farmer from Malawi will receive a brand-new lease in life and get to share this with the rest of the world as his cataract surgery is broadcasted live.
Mr. Winesi March has been suffering from a cataract-a common eye medical condition caused by the buildup of protein in the lens, making the eyes more opaque and preventing light from passing through-for the past 12 years. Two years ago, he had gone completely blind.
One of the best ways to deal with it is through a surgical operation. However, while a typical surgery costs around £30 only, it's a price that is still too much to millions of sufferers living in some of the poorest regions of the world. Mr. Winesi, for example, lives in a very small hut in the remote region of Kalima.
With the help Dr. Gerald Msukwa who is part of a charity organization called Sightsavers, Mr. Winesi doesn't have to worry about medical costs anymore. As part of their campaign known as "A Million Miracles," which aims to provide a million cataract surgeries in the poorest countries, Mr. Winesi will wake up with a very clear eyesight. Aside from Sightsavers, the Department of International Development is also onboard, matching the funds the organization may raise.
Not only that, his eye surgery will be broadcasted online through Fieldcraft Studios. According to Liz Scarff, the director, the medical condition and the subsequent operation have a very huge influence on the life of Mr. Winesi and his family that the experience is ought to be shared to everyone.
Indeed, she's right. After he developed the cataract, he would normally spend his days being idle and concerned about his family's welfare. He frequently needed the assistance of his wife Namaleta as well. After the surgery, Mr. Winesi is looking forward to going back to the farm and seeing his wife once again. He will also have the chance to see his 18-month-old grandchild for the first time.
For more information about the fund-raising drive and the livestream surgery, visit http://millionmiracles.org/.