Thank you @tesfanews for your recent discussion with Cure Blindness Project Vice Chairman @DrMenghis about our collaborative efforts to strengthen Eritrea's eye health system.
Bridging Global Biotechnology and Public Health in Eritrea: Dr. Menghis Bairu on Eritrea’s Path to Medical Self-Reliance
ERITREA ― Dr. Menghis Bairu is an Eritrean-American physician, philanthropist, Co-founder, President and CEO of a biotechnology company "Bio Usawa" with more than three decades of international executive experience in the life sciences industry.
Throughout his career, he has led major biotechnology initiatives and multi-billion-dollar business transactions while also maintaining a strong commitment to medical education and global health.
In this interview with @shabait journalist Sabrina Solomon, @DrMenghis presents a vision that extends beyond humanitarian medical missions toward building a sustainable, self-reliant healthcare system in #Eritrea.
Through his work with the #CureBlindness Project, the Ministry of Health, and Orotta School of Medicine and Dentistry, he emphasizes training local specialists rather than relying on foreign expertise, ensuring that knowledge and technology remain within the country.
A central theme of his work is the establishment of the Berhan Ayni Ophthalmic Hospital as a regional Center of Excellence.
His long-term goal is to equip the hospital with world-class technology, develop highly trained Eritrean ophthalmologists through local residency programs, and create an internationally competitive eye care system capable of serving both Eritreans and patients from neighboring countries.
Dr. Menghis also highlights the importance of leveraging the expertise and global networks of the Eritrean diaspora. Through organizations such as the Eritrean-American Healthcare Association, he advocates structured collaboration between diaspora professionals and Eritrean institutions to strengthen medical education, transfer technology, and improve healthcare infrastructure.
Beyond restoring sight through cataract surgeries and corneal transplants, Dr. Menghis views #blindness reduction as a broader development strategy that directly addresses poverty and improves quality of life.
Looking ahead, he envisions Eritrea becoming a destination for reverse medical eye-care tourism, with the Berhan Ayni Ophthalmic Hospital serving as a premier regional hub staffed by homegrown specialists and supported by international partnerships.
Here is the full interview: https://t.co/sd1hiHXRbC
#News: Good vision is foundational to economic & social participation—boosting productivity, education & wellbeing while reducing injuries & health costs.
Read more at https://t.co/t9jtMg2uNT
#ValueOfVision#UNFoV#UNGA80@Seva_Foundation@FredHollows
Just ONE MONTH TO GO until World Sight Day 2025!
This year, we’re putting people at the heart of the campaign, their voices, their stories, their vision.
💬 Tell us how you and your organisation are planning to mark
#WorldSightDay. We’d love to celebrate your efforts!
New SROI study with @Deloitte Shows the Powerful Impact of Community Eye Care - Every $1 in Eye Care Generates Up to $7.30 in Social Value
https://t.co/qgifZKMzfU
When Dambar Kumari Mijar first began losing her vision, she tried to push through the chores of rural life in Dolakha, Nepal. But as her eyesight dimmed over two years, even the simplest tasks slipped beyond her reach. Read more: https://t.co/HZK6jqaS8L
Cure Blindness Project is thrilled to announce that its CEO K-T Overbey has been named a winner in The 2025 New Era of Leadership Awards by @JoinChiefNow
This award honors exceptional executives shaping the future of business.
Thank you, K-T, for your vision in leading Cure Blindness Project as it continues to expand its reach and impact, helping to restore and retain sight to thousands. You are changing lives in a positive way.
For the first time ever, 40 Ophthalmic Assistants & Nurses received curriculum-based training in primary eye care—focusing on early detection of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy & corneal disease. Proudly led by @MoHBhutan + #CureBlindness.
When 80-year-old Elizabeth Msemwa speaks, her words carry the weight of suffering, resilience, and joy. Her journey from isolation and blindness to healing and hope is a testament to the power of compassion, dreams, and community.
https://t.co/xKtqhJQal1
It started on Mt. Everest with one cataract surgery. ⛰️👁️
Now we treat glaucoma, corneal disease, diabetic retinopathy & more—bringing sight to the world’s most remote places.
From then to now, here’s how we’re curing blindness.
🔗 https://t.co/qsH6qVqxen
👁️ 108K+ screened
💪 97% treated at primary level
📈 7.3x social return
In rural 🇮🇳, trained Community Health Workers are transforming eye care—one village at a time.
See how we're scaling our blindness prevention work in Uttar Pradesh.
🔗 https://t.co/6ykVUwQTnV
Preventing blindness starts with strong community-based care! 👁️✨
Cure Blindness Project recently completed Prevention Refresher Training in India, training 637 Community Health Workers (CHWs) across Uttar Pradesh, in partnership with @VisionSpring!
Meet Fekadu Merga, a Cure Blindness Project teammate in Ethiopia.
Witnessing his daughter's struggle with an eye condition fueled Fekadu's passion to join the fight against blindness.
For less than $200, @CureBlindness can cure someone’s blindness—like Pushpa.
In 30 years, they’ve achieved:
🚀 1.6M+ sight-restoring surgeries
👩⚕️ 20,000+ trained eyecare professionals
🏥 5 eye hospitals in under-resourced areas
Congrats to CBP on 30 years of impact!
👁️ Welcoming Dr. Sam Cady to Kabgayi Eye Unit!
Dr. Sam, a renowned Glaucoma specialist from Maine, USA, is in Rwanda for 3 days, working alongside Dr. Elie Nziyomaze to enhance Glaucoma care. His visit is sponsored by @CureBlindness#KabgayiEyeUnit#CureBlindness#GlaucomaCare