BOLIVIA-CUBA-OPHTALMOLOGY

A Cuban eye surgeon operates a Bolivian Aymara peasant 22 December, 2006 at an ophtalmologic clinic in El Alto, 12 km from La Paz. More than 2.000 patients belonging to the poorest sectors of the population have been submitted to surgery for free since November 9th in that particular clinic manned by Cuban doctors. As a result of the "Operation Miracle" --fruit of a cooperation agreement between the governments of President Evo Morales and Fidel Castro-- more that 50.000 patients have been treated in Bolivia from serious eye ailments like cataracts and had cornea transplants carried out by Cuban doctors. With the support of Venezuela, the Bolivian and Cuban governments have installed 20 hospitals in rural areas in Bolivia and some 2.000 Cuban doctors are working in the country as part of the Operation Miracle. AFP FOTO/AIZAR RALDES