Malta’s Evolve to lead major new eye health project in Ghana

Malta’s fastest-growing science company is set to lead an impressive new project to help eradicate preventable blindness in Ghana.

Evolve will oversee the co-ordination of a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence in Ophthalmology in the African nation’s capital, Accra.

The science company, based in Luqa in Malta, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Greater Accra Regional Hospital.

The agreement was signed by Evolve’s Chief Visionary Officer Christopher Busutill Delbridge and Senior International Business Development Manager Antoine Camilleri.

Busutill Delbridge said: ‘Today’s agreement is an exciting step in the right direction. At Evolve, we have extensive expertise and experience in the Ophthalmic sector and we will be working with the best technical partners in the world on this massive project.

‘Our role will be as coordinators and facilitators. Today, the real work begins but we will make sure we deliver an outstanding service for the people of Ghana.

‘We want to it to be sustainable and profitable so we can reach as many patients as possible and deliver state-of-the-art care. Our goal is to train as many eye health care professionals and medical specialists as possible in Ghana. And we hope to create high calibre jobs and opportunities for the people of Ghana.’

Camilleri added: ‘We are very grateful to be entrusted with this project and to be part of the continuous efforts by the Greater Accra Regional Hospital in striving to deliver state-of-the-art care and leave a positive impact on people’s lives. This also goes in line with our core philosophy and values at Evolve.

‘We would also like to thank our esteemed partners on the ground together with the Medical Director and the Head of Opthalmology and all involved for their dedication towards this project.’

The landmark signing ceremony was held during the third Malta-Ghana Business Forum in Accra on Tuesday 17 January.

The trade mission, organised by Trade Malta, was led by Malta’s Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Ian Borg.

Evolve’s agreement with the health authorities in Accra was supported by the island’s High Commissioner to Ghana His Excellency Jean Claude Galea Mallia.

Vision impairment has a huge impact on quality of life and can jeopardise educational attainment and employment. Beyond patients, it also places a heavy burden on health services and society.

Around the world, one billion people live with preventable visual impairment due to a lack of access to basic eye care services. About 80% of blindness is preventable or curable, according to figures from the World Health Organisation. It estimates more than nine out of 10 of the world’s blind people live in a developing country.

In many cases, a simple operation can restore sight, or a dose of antibiotics can prevent blindness.