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Making
a real difference in The Gambia 1
Dolphin Guide Case Study
Dolphin Guide Case Study: Dolphin Guide making a real difference in Gambia Extreme poverty and restricted access to
medical care are the main causes of eye-related diseases and sight loss in developing countries. According to
research conducted by the World Health Organisation, low and middle-income countries are home to around 90% of the
world's blind and visually-impaired population. Furthermore, at least 80% of these cases could be prevented by
simple surgical procedures or improved access to medicines.
The leading cause of blindness in developing countries is cataracts - an eye-disease that in the UK is
easily-treated with inexpensive surgery. However, in the developing world, only 20% of those who need this
operation can actually afford it.
In an attempt to work towards the prevention of blindness in developing countries, the WHO founded 'Vision 2020:
The Right to Sight', a Global Initiative for the Elimination of Avoidable Blindness. The main objective of the
initiative is to assist developing countries with the prevention and elimination of the main causes of avoidable
blindness by the year 2020. The initiative is worldwide, and in 2005, covered most of the developing countries in
Asia and Africa.
One of the countries which has benefited from the support of the Vision 2020 campaign is Gambia - Africa's smallest
country. And the results have been astonishing: since 1999 there has already been a 40% reduction in the prevalence
of blindness. Having one of the most forward-thinking policies for the blind on the continent, Gambia has
recognised the importance of preventing blindness and has established, many projects aimed at reducing the number
of eye-related illnesses.
The most successful of all, the National Eye Care Programme, developed and implemented a series of initiatives,
with the emphasis on raising awareness about eye-related diseases, giving information about treatments available,
the establishment of eye-care units and the implementation of technology. Some of the NECP's projects have
included: making eye-care affordable; building and equipping eye-care centres; organising training form paramedics
to treat eye infections and diseases; and recycling old spectacles and computer equipment.
In addition, the introduction of new computer technology for the blind and visually impaired, combined with the
enthusiasm of Gambia's citizens, has made a big difference in helping people suffering from eye-related disease to
enjoy a better quality of life.
Dolphin Guide from Dolphin - Make computers easy to use with clear
Simon Wezel, the founder of the Kingfisher Trust, first noticed Dolphin Guide software in 2005 when he purchased a
copy for a friend of his who is blind.
by - April 2006
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To encourage the blind and visually impaired people in The Gambia to communicate via the Internet, thus obtaining
friendship, education and special interest information from all parts of the world.
Source: http://www.yourdolphin.com /productdetail.asp? id=30&act=show&csid=99&z=5
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