…As Experts Raise Awareness On Risk Factors
By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
The American Initiative for Health and Wellness in Africa (AIHWA) has concluded its 2026 Diabetic Retinopathy Campaign which saw patients within and outside Imo State. Patients received free diagnoses and treatments of diabetes-related and Retina eye problems. There were different kinds of eye surgeries performed by ophthalmologists at the clinic. The exercise was described as timely, compassionate, and life-saving.
The annual campaign which was held from 12 – 16 January, 2026, at the aihwa Hope Center along Sam Mbakwe International Airport Road, Ngor-Okpala LGA, demostrated the resolve of the Founder of aihwa International, Rev. Fr. Kenny Udumka CSSp to ensure that patients from Imo state and beyond enjoy access to diabetic retinopathy care, a leading cause of blindness in society especially for diabetic patients.
It would be recalled that the campaign initiated by the aihwa Vision Care-an integral part of aihwa Integrated Medical Clinic, in collaboration with the Retina Care International, USA, is in its 3rd year of such partnership. It serves as a time for aihwa to showcase its numerous world-class sets of equipment and expertise.
Before now, numerous indigenes had no option but to travel to Lagos, Abuja and Kaduna to access such specialized eye care. Those journeys often came with heavy financial burdens, physical risks, and emotional strain. For many patients, the cost alone was enough to delay or completely abandon treatment, leading to worsening vision and, in some cases, irreversible blindness.
Recognizing this gap, aihwa has initiated the campaign to confront the emerging and dangerous impact of diabetic retinopathy in society today. With diabetes increasingly prevalent in the local environment, the risk of retinal complications has grown, leaving many residents vulnerable without adequate access to care.
Meanwhile, the Founder of aihwa Integrated Medical Clinic, Rev. Fr. Kenny Udumka, CSSp, explained that his motivation for bringing diabetic retinopathy care closer to the people was rooted in a simple desire: to relieve suffering. According to him, the hospital’s mission has always been to ensure that quality and integrated healthcare is not a privilege reserved for a few, but a right accessible to the people.
He noted that the diabetic retinopathy care offered by AIHWA is specifically for the benefit of the people of Imo State and its environs, where facilities—equipped with advanced technology and supported by trained personnel—are not readily available within and outside the state.
“By bridging this gap, the aihwa Vision Care has helped to prevent avoidable vision loss and restore confidence to patients who once feared permanent blindness, while saving the patients the cost and risks involved in traveling far distances for treatments,” Fr. Udumka stated.
Beyond treatment, the campaign has also served as a powerful enlightenment drive. Residents are being educated on the importance of early diagnosis, regular eye checks, and prompt treatment to avoid impaired vision and total vision loss. The free services provided by aihwa Vision Care and its partners during the week of the campaign have encouraged many who might otherwise ignore early symptoms to seek care.
The initiative has further acted as an awakening for people of Imo State and the South East region to be more mindful of blood sugar management. Medical experts involved in the campaign emphasized that uncontrolled blood sugar levels are a major risk factor in retinal problems, and that proper diabetes management is key to preserving retinal health.
Addressing reporters, Dr. John Wroblewski, President of Retina Care International, noted that
“Diabetes poses a high risk of serious eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, and emphasized the importance of annual diabetic retinal screening to avoid silent vision loss associated with the disease. He hailed the partnership with AIHWA as fruitful in addressing the region’s growing vision challenges.
He explained that diabetic retinopathy is common among retinal disorders and stressed the importance of prompt actions. He urged residents of Imo State and the South East region to visit the facility regularly for examinations and possible treatments, highlighting that timely care is key to maintaining good eye health.
Patients who benefited from the free diabetic retinopathy diagnoses and treatments with injections and laser surgeries expressed deep relief and gratitude. Many shared stories of restored hope and renewed sight, thanking the Management of AIHWA for alleviating the suffering of the masses and for providing that quality, compassionate healthcare.
As the campaign continues, aihwa Vision Care’s effort stands as a compelling example of how targeted healthcare interventions can transform communities—one patient, one pair of eyes, and one restored vision at a time.
