Rehema’s Journey to Sight and Independence

The Child

Rehema’s story

Rehema Langson Lwinga is a three-year-old girl living in Mbebe, Tunduma Town Council. She lives with her mother and grandmother. Rehema was born as a twin with her sister, Hekima Lwinga. Hekima was born healthy, but Rehema was born with a low birth weight of about 1.6 kg. In her early months, Rehema seemed healthy. Later, when she tried to sit, her mother noticed white spots in her eyes. She quickly took Rehema to Mbebe Clinic for a check-up. The health workers gave medicine and told her to buy it from a pharmacy. They said the problem would go away after using the medicine. However, even after using it, the white spots did not disappear. Rehema was referred to Tunduma Hospital, but the family could not go because of financial difficulties. Apart from the eye problem, Rehema also suffered from convulsions, which made her weak for some time. By the age of three, Rehema could not walk and spent most of her time sitting. For a long time, the family did not know that treatment for Rehema’s eye condition was available nearby. Their situation changed when they met OSHI. OSHI gave them information and awareness that treatment was available and that Rehema’s vision could be restored. Rehema was examined and referred to Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital for cataract surgery. On 11 November 2025, OSHI supported Rehema to receive bilateral cataract surgery at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital. The surgery was successful, and her sight was restored. After the surgery, Rehema showed great improvement. She started to develop well and began trying to walk. Before the surgery, she could not walk at all. This showed that the cataract had affected her physical and mental development. Now, Rehema can walk short distances, run, and play happily with other children in her community. This change has greatly improved Rehema’s life. It has also given her mother more time to focus on activities that help support the family’s income. Rehema can now mix well with other children in her area. During the whole treatment process at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, the family was very happy with the care, guidance, and kindness shown by the medical team. Rehema’s mother thanks OSHI for the life-changing support that restored her child’s sight and future.