Burkina Faso’s only eye doctor for children sees the trauma of both play and conflict

Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso), July 10 (AP) — Isaka Diallo's childhood play took an unfortunate turn when a stone hit his left eye, prompting his parents to embark on a two-week quest across western Burkina Faso in search of an eye specialist. While local clinics only offered painkillers, other health workers were unsure how to treat such an injury.

When finally meeting Dr. Claudette Yameogo, the country's sole pediatric ophthalmologist, Diallo's condition had worsened. "The trauma has become severe," remarked Yameogo, examining the boy at Sanou Sourou University Hospital in Bobo-Dioulasso. "Cases like Diallo's need attention within six hours, but I'm seeing him two weeks later—it's too late."

This predicament reflects a broader issue in Burkina Faso, a nation of about 23 million with only 70 ophthalmologists. Since starting her practice late last year, Yameogo has found the work challenging, often traveling at her expense to families who can't reach her hospital.

Globally, around 450 million children have eyesight problems needing treatment, reports the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. Late intervention can severely impact a child's future, especially in developing nations.

An estimated 70% of Burkina Faso's populace resides in rural areas where ophthalmologists are scarce, mostly concentrated in Ouagadougou and other major cities. In 2024, over 2,000 ophthalmology procedures occurred in the country's western Hauts-Bassins region, but only 52 occurred in rural areas, per the Ministry of Health. The majority happened in Bobo-Dioulasso, the second-largest city.

Despite her impact, Yameogo's work is relatively unknown. Even if recognized, reaching her often requires time and financial planning.

Diallo’s family, among the 2 million displaced by violence as extremist groups advance, journeyed 40 kilometers by motorcycle from their temporary village shelter to Bobo-Dioulasso, spending 7,500 francs (USD 13)—a significant sum for small-scale farmers.

Yameogo noted that 70% of children's trauma cases at the hospital come from rural areas, where exposure risks—due to conflict or play—are higher. Examining and treating children involves significant time investment, which many families can't afford as they need to return home to earn the necessary treatment funds.

During Diallo's examination, a drawing recognition test raised the question: was the burden of misidentifying an apple with a pepper due to vision or unfamiliarity with the unfamiliar fruit? "Examinations require patience," Yameogo explained.

Commenting on Yameogo's contributions, Jean Diallo, president of the Burkinabe Society of Ophthalmology, highlighted the importance of specialist intervention for children's eye health, emphasizing the need for early treatment.

Retinoblastoma and congenital cataracts, for example, can be managed if diagnosed early—an area where general pediatricians may fall short.

At a subsequent consultation, 5-year-old Fatao Traore was diagnosed with a serious corneal injury from a stick while playing, necessitating surgery. Observing the overwhelmed father, Yameogo noted, "Sometimes I feel a pinch in my heart." While Burkina Faso's government ostensibly covers children’s medical costs, logistical challenges often require families to purchase unavailable drugs themselves.

The cost of Traore's required surgery stands at 100,000 CFA (USD 179), equivalent to several months' income for the family. (AP) SKS GRS GRS

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