On June 14, 2025, a high-level delegation from the Health Community of West Africa Association (HCOWAA) and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) visited the Zhongshan Eye Center at Sun Yat-sen University, taking an important step toward strengthening ophthalmic medical cooperation between China and West Africa.
Led by the HCOWAA President Jiang Sihong and Vice President Prince Opoku Dogbey, alongside Ghana Health Service Director Gaetan Charles Adangabey, the delegation engaged in discussions aimed at improving eye care services in West Africa. The visit highlighted shared challenges in ophthalmic healthcare and explored potential solutions through technology exchange and capacity-building initiatives.
During the tour, the delegation observed the center’s cutting-edge ophthalmic equipment, from diagnostic tools to high-precision imaging systems. Staff demonstrated the use of these technologies, emphasizing their role in accurate diagnosis and treatment. The Ghana Health Service Deputy Director personally underwent an optometry test, experiencing firsthand the efficiency and precision of the center’s services.
The delegation acknowledged the stark contrast between the well-equipped Zhongshan Eye Center and the limited resources in many West African regions. With shortages of specialists and inadequate infrastructure, patients in Ghana and neighboring countries often face barriers to quality eye care.
Both parties explored avenues for partnership, particularly in telemedicine, training programs, and joint research. Remote consultations could bridge the gap for patients in remote areas, while exchange programs would enhance the skills of West African ophthalmologists. Research collaborations were also proposed to address region-specific eye diseases.
The Zhongshan Eye Center expressed readiness to support these initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to global health equity. The delegation left optimistic about future projects that could transform eye care accessibility in West Africa.
This visit not only strengthened ties between the institutions but also underscored the power of international cooperation in advancing healthcare worldwide. With a shared vision, both sides aim to turn these discussions into tangible improvements, bringing clearer vision to communities in need.
