Project Report
| Feb 8, 2026
The walls are almost finished!
By Catherine Hoath | Co-founder, Secretary and Treasurer
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The walls of the laboratory are almost finished as the sun sun goes down in this serene setting. Next will be installation of the roof, solar electricity and plumbing. In parallel, we are exploring options for obtaining donations of equipment and identifying personnel to manage and operate the laboratory. The lab will not only provide a much needed service for healthcare, but it will also provide jobs for some of the well-educated population in Burkina Faso.
Eye surgeries continue to be conducted in the Women's Center KAFO and MSN built in Konkourona to address the constant need for cataract removal as a result of the intense sun. Once the laboratory is finished, there will be a more permanent location for surgeries to be completed and the Women's Center will remain open for community events, school assemblies and vaccination campaigns.
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Oct 12, 2025
Construction has started!
By Catherine Hoath | Co-founder, Secretary and Treasurer
![Laboratory]()
Laboratory
Construction has started on the Diagnostic Laboratory and Ophthalmology Center in Konkourona, Burkina Faso in the midst of the region's rainy season. The first few rows of bricks have been laid and many more bricks have been made to continue the work as the weather permits.
In parallel, work has begun to identify a physician to oversee laboratory operations and identify the equipment that will be needed. A proposal for management of the laboratory is being reviewed by KAFO and MSN leaders and internet capabilities are being installed in the village to help support the laboratory once it is opened.
Collaboration with the District Medical Office has begun to ensure that the laboratory is integrated into the overall health system in the country to serve not only the village of Konkourona, but also any other villages that require diagnostic services.
This project will not only strengthen overall health care in the community, but it will also provide jobs and serve as a mechanism to generate revenue to support sustainability of the laboratory.
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Cell Tower
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Jun 16, 2025
Finalizing plans
By Catherine Hoath | Co-founder, Secretary and Treasurer
As we get closer to breaking ground on the new diagnostic laboratory, we have been thinking about the growing demand for opthalmology in the community. Last year, an ophthalmologist began making regular visits to the community and diagnosing many infections and cases of cataracts. Surgeries were scheduled for those people with advanced cataracts causing partial or complete blindness. Konkourona has now become a center for eye care in the region with examinations, basic care and surgeries being completed in a multi-purpose center built last year. The multi-purpose center is not ideal for conducting surgeries. It is intended for broad community use and as a waiting area for people visiting the community health center. There is no running water.
We asked the engineer who designed the laboratory to include construction of an exam room and a surgical suite in the plans for the diagnostic laboratory prior to construction and it has been decided to move forward with this expanded plan. Preparations are now being made to begin construction in the next 6-8 weeks.
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