Photo ( above) Group photo MICEI staff and Rev Seunou Jean.
Below) The 20.000th eye surgery patient Rev Seunou Jean coming out from surgery room.
The 𝐌agrabi 𝐈𝐂𝐎 𝐂ameroon 𝐄ye 𝐈nstitute, MICEI,the first ever eye care hospital with sub-specialties in the Central African region has reached a major milestone with the completion of its 20,000th cataract surgery since its official commissioning in 2017.
This milestone achievement was celebrated May 26, 2026 in an even that culminated with the training of health journalists. The one day media capacity building workshop took place under the theme,”Reinforcing Eye Care Human Resources Capacity to deliver specialized eye care in Cameroon.”
Talking about the cataract surgery achievement, the CEO Dr Henry Nkumbe said it was heartwarming to know they have been able to go this far.
“Beyond the number, this achievement represents thousands of lives transformed through restored sight, parents regaining independence,workers returning to their activities, grandparents reconnecting with their families, patients rediscovering hope and dignity,” he said.
He added that this work has been able to restored smiles, impact families, people now able to read, work, pray, and fully live out their purpose once again
The emotional moment and celebration was marked by the story of a patient who travelled from Douala and can now see the world more clearly again after surgery.
To mark this special occasion, the hospital management honoured this symbolic patient Rev. Seunou Jean, whose journey reflects the human and social impact of the fight against avoidable blindness.
Rev. Seunou Jean who clocked the 20.000th cataract surgery patient was honoured with a certificate of recognition.
He appreciated the good work of the hospital, urging the management and staff to continue with the same quality eye care service to help humanity and promote development in the country.
“ It is with pride and satisfaction that I want to thank the management of MICEI for recognizing me as one of their ambassador. This is indeed an eye care hospital of reference and I think Cameroon is blessed to have MICEI in their soil,” Re, Seunou said.
Rev Seunou receives certificate of recognition and decorated as MICEI Ambassador by CEO Dr Henry Nkumbe
This historic achievement MICEI authorities say, comes as Africa prepares to host “2030 IN SIGHT Live” in Kenya — a global initiative committed to eliminating avoidable blindness by 2030.
Through this mission, MICEI continues to advance its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality eye care and shaping the future of vision health across Africa, the officials say.
MEDIA Capacity Building Workshop
A media capacity building workshop on eye health communication provided some 15 Journalists in Yaounde the opportunity to share ideas and strengthen their skills on effective ways of reaching communities with key eye health information and sensitization messages.
CBM’s Commy Mussa drilling journalists on Eye health Care reporting
The workshop session also helped the Journalists understand how MICEI and its partners function, communicate, implement branding strategies, and apply various institutional and communication policies within the framework of the project, “ Reinforcing Eye Care Human Resource Capacity to deliver specialized eye care in Cameroon.”
Opening the session MICEI administrative director Ernest Kelese Mendah emphasized on the importance of journalists having a mastery on eye health care reporting.
“ We hope this session will give journalists the necessary information to enable them better inform the community on the workings of MICEI,” he said.
The MICEI Awareness campaign project head, Ndi Kenedy, gave a brief presentation of the institution and its activities encouraging journalists to better understand the different aspects of its services.
One of the key partners of MICEI, THE Christian Blind Mission, CBM was on hand to throw more light on their working relationship, financial, technical and professional.
CBM communications head, Commy Musa drilled Journalists on safe and ethical issues in reporting in an eye care hospital, human interest stories and why it is important in eye care hospital reporting etc.
Journalists were encouraged to take interest in eye health care reporting to better inform the local and national community.
