Missio Malta has supported eye operations for children in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, Africa. Below is a thank you letter from Fr. Bonaventure Luchidio to Missio Malta director Mons. Valent Borg explaining the situation and the results of the operations.

Dear Monsignor Valent, 

Greetings of peace from Nairobi. 

I wish to inform you that I am fine and in good health. However, the COVID-19 situation in Kenya remains turgid. Our hospitals still record high numbers of inpatients that is overwhelming our health institutions.  Our problem is that the disease is in the community and most cannot afford to get treated or do the testing, because the cost is higher than what they can afford. Hence, the numbers being tested are low but the sufferings are many. Worship in church is still pegged at one third of the total space and curfew time reassigned to 10:00pm and 4:00am. The positivity rate has now reached 5% and we are informed by the statisticians and scientific models that in every three months we may have spikes due to the negligence of the people.  

This pandemic situation had made us restrain our plan with the children to reduce exposure. When we resumed we asked the two scheduled children for the eye operations to travel to Nairobi from Eldoret, but unfortunately they were involved in a road accident and we lost the two children. Burial took place the following Monday and Wednesday respectively. We are condolencing with the families of these children. Kindly remember Ivy and John in your prayers. As regards the eye operations, we are back to recruitment and so far we have three cases which I have sent to the doctors to evaluate and give us their report, then we take up the task of paying for their treatment as they are needy. The doctor will guide us on the nature of treatment.  

The first picture attached is of a 5 year old child called Joseph Maasai. From the medical report, he needs urgent attention. We have organised that he visits the paediatric ophthalmologist soon for directions. After this consultation with our doctor in Nairobi, he will advise on the kind of treatment the child needs. So we look forward to hearing from the doctor. The second picture is an xray picture of a girl from Marsabit called Gumato Guyo. She had a problem with her eyes three years ago and because of insufficient funds in the family, they never sought further treatment. Sister Agatha, who works in the region, bumped into this case and it was brought to my attention. We sought advice from the doctor who found out that due to the delay in treatment, she is now blind. It is unfortunate. I wish to bring her to Nairobi to be seen by our doctor for advice. Hoping something can be done. 

Once again, thank you for your kindness and concern for our needy children. God bless you and assure our donors of prayers from these children and their families. 

Thank you and best regards in the Lord. 

Yours faithfully, 

Fr. Bonaventure Luchidio