In the heart of Africa, a Bangui, capital of Central African Republic, where poverty and the fragility of health services make access to even the most essential care difficult, a clinic has recently been set up Ophthalmological Operating Room at the city’s General Hospital.
An achievement made possible thanks also to the donation of highly specialized medical equipment by F Foundation: a computerized perimeter, an applanation tonometer and a digital slit lamp, indispensable tools for the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and other serious eye diseases.
«We have chosen to intervene where hope seems distant, but where even a small gesture can change the destiny of an entire community. CWith the Bangui project we reaffirm the universal value of care and solidarity: restoring sight means in what way also restoring the future“, explains Carlo Pizzocaro, President of the F. Foundation
The project was born as part of the initiative “Puglia–Bangui: a new light for Central Africa”, promoted in collaboration with the Apostolic Nunciature, the Community of Sant’Egidio (very active on the health front in that land) and with the support of Pugli regiona, which provided surgical equipment and the necessary medical supplies.
The mission, now in its second edition, was led by Dr Vito Primavera, Director of the Complex Ophthalmology Operational Unit of“Pyrenees” Hospital of Altamura, with the contribution of a team of ophthalmologists, an anesthesiologist, two surgical nurses, an orthoptist and an electronic engineer Emilio Sansonettiresponsible for the technical coordination of the mission.
During more than two weeks of on-site activity, the team operated in complex logistical conditions but with highly valuable results: numerous cataract and glaucoma operations were performed, which restored sight to dozens of patients, including some children.
Many of them, for the first time, were able to look at the faces of their family members or see the light of day after years of darkness. In a country where public healthcare is complicated and the costs of treatment are borne entirely by patients, this mission represents a concrete gesture of equity and hope.
«The first year the operating room was set up with the surgical equipment donated by the Puglia Region and it was demonstrated that 400 patients suffering from total cataracts, often bilateral, could be operated on, even in that very complex situation», explains Primavera, «while this year, by express will of the late Pope Franciswe have focused our attention on children suffering from cataracts and on the training of local ophthalmologists and nurses so that they can carry out this initiative independently».
The initiative was also followed in its progress by Monsignor Giuseppe LaterzaApostolic Nuncio to Central Africa and Chad, who underlined “the importance of bringing care where it seemed it could no longer reach”.
The program is part of a broader vision of international health cooperation, which aims not only to donate tools, but also to transfer skills, train local staff and guarantee continuity of care.
It is a model of solidarity that combines technology, training and humanity, building a lasting bond between Puglia and Central Africa, and which testifies to the mission of Fondazione F: contribute to scientific culture by creating projects and initiatives to support research, but also by promoting access to care for patients who live in a more disadvantaged social condition, creating the conditions for a more egalitarian future.
Alongside its international commitment, Fondazione F renews its support for family inclusion and well-being projects in Italy, including “Estate Paideia”, promoted by Paideia Foundation Philanthropic InstitutionIt has reached its 24th edition in 2025. The project offered families with children with disabilities an inclusive and regenerating holiday week at the Orsolina28 Art Foundation, in Moncalvo (Monferrato – Piedmont), in a natural and welcoming context.
During last summer, 47 families – for a total of 176 participants, including children, parents, volunteers and operators – took part in a program full of creative activities, yoga, cooking workshops, pool games and moments of sharing.
For many families, it was an opportunity to rediscover time together, lighten the burden of care and build new relationships of friendship and mutual support.
Fondazione F, as a donor, contributed to making this experience possible.
