Overall Impressions

This was an absolutely fascinating trip, and something of an emotional rollercoaster. I will never forget it. Here are a few of the thoughts I am currently left with:

• The dedication of many of our overseas staff is not to be underestimated. Staff in Sierra Leone stayed with us through the war and worked in unspeakable conditions, and Verda is now having to cope with very difficult situations and extremely harsh conditions. They all have my deep gratitude and utmost respect.
• Working in post conflict environments is extremely hard, and we need to think very carefully about whether it is the best use of our resources. When a society is so badly broken down eye-care is absolutely not top of anyone’s list, and it is really difficult to make progress. On the other hand, the people in such a situation are in great need, and the visually impaired are particularly vulnerable. A difficult call.
• River blindness is a persistent disease, and if we become complacent because the apparent burden globally has reduced then it will simply come back with a vengeance.
• The Neglected Tropical Diseases initiative is gathering momentum, and we need to think carefully about how to deal with it.
• Sierra Leone is a programme which is definitely up and coming, with a particularly strong Oncho (river blindness) Coordinator leading great progress in this area. Let us hope our application to Irish Aid is successful so we can build the eye unit in Kenema. (It was!)
• HR development is the key problem in both countries. This is a problem all over Africa, but the added complication of post conflict conditions makes it a really huge stumbling block.