WAJIR, KENYA, February 3, 2026 – Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently hosted a free eye cataract surgery camp in Wajir, restoring sight for around 100 vulnerable individuals aged 18 and older.
The project provided life-changing surgeries for patients suffering from cataracts in one or both eyes. Many of the beneficiaries were older adults, women, and some younger patients who had been living with limited access to specialized eye care.
“I was able to witness a surgery and see a 65-year-old woman stand up and say that even with the bandage over her eye, she could already see the light,” said Linda Sarsour, a U.S. based activist, author, and Baitulmaal ambassador.
One of Baitulmaal’s beneficiaries, Bishara, a young mother of five and the sole provider for her family, received her second eye cataract surgery to improve vision in both eyes. Today, she can walk independently and care for herself again. Most importantly, she carries renewed hope that she can rebuild her small business and continue supporting her children.
“I was in a very dark place, but I feel alive and beautiful again,” said Bishara.
By restoring sight, the project helps patients regain independence and rebuild their lives. Many beneficiaries are able to return to work, continue their education, and participate fully in their communities once again. Beyond the physical impact, restored vision also brings renewed confidence, emotional well-being, and hope for a brighter future.
According to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), cataracts account for nearly 50 percent of avoidable blindness in Africa, largely due to limited access to surgical care in rural and underserved communities.
In addition to performing free cataract surgery in Kenya, Baitulmaal has also provided emergency aid, fresh meat for Udhiyah, orphan support, and Ramadan Food Packages. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, please visit johnjanney.org/.
Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Europe, Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.
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WAJIR, KENYA December 25, 2025 – Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently provided essential medical equipment and specialized training for healthcare workers at Wajir County Referral Hospital in Kenya to strengthen maternal and newborn care. The initiative was implemented in part through a generous grant from the Gates Foundation and in partnership with Every Pregnancy, a global coalition dedicated to saving the lives of mothers and babies.
The project is expected to enhance emergency obstetric and newborn care services, reduce medical delays, and improve the overall quality of care for mothers and newborns. It also supports Wajir County’s ongoing efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates and expand access to life-saving healthcare services.
“We appreciate the donation given to us. This contribution [from Baitulmaal] is not an ordinary gift; it is a sign of love, compassion, and support for our community. It aligns with the vision and mission of this hospital to improve the quality of care we provide,” said Mohammed Omar, Director of Wajir County Referral Hospital. “This support will help strengthen our services and enhance the care we aim to deliver to mothers and newborns.”
According to Ahmed Sherif, Senior Manager of International Programs at Baitulmaal, the project will directly benefit mothers receiving care at Wajir County Referral Hospital, high risk pregnancies, newborns requiring specialized support, and healthcare professionals participating in the training. The initiative will also indirectly benefit communities across Wajir County by strengthening the hospital’s ability to provide timely and quality maternal and newborn healthcare services.
According to the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), Wajir County is among the 15 counties that account for more than 60% of maternal deaths in Kenya, with an estimated maternal mortality ratio of 1,683 deaths per 100,000 live births. These figures highlight the urgent need for improved maternal and newborn healthcare services in the region.
As part of the initiative, Baitulmaal donated critical medical equipment to the hospital, including a delivery bed, multiple maternity beds, baby cots, a newborn incubator, a suction machine, and an LED inspection light. The charity also conducted a five-day Emergency Obstetric and Newborn care (EmONC) mentorship program for healthcare personnel to strengthen their capacity to manage complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and the newborn period.
In addition to providing essential medical equipment to Wajir County Referral Hospital in Kenya, Baitulmaal has also delivered fresh meat for Udhiyah, Ramadan Food Packages, provided support to orphans, and distributed emergency aid during flash floods. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, please visit johnjanney.org/.
Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Europe, Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.
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