Mali. Cane for blinds fitted with an obstacle detector: the clairvoyance of a young inventor

The International Agency for the prevention of blindness reports that in 2020, around 2.2 million people in Mali suffered from loss of vision, of which 170,000 were blind, women representing 52% of the affected population.

Wanting to help this fringe of the population, Mohamed Doumbia, a young person evolving in the electromechanics, had the idea of ​​creating a mechanical cane for his uncle, himself a non-Voyant. According to him, “The cane is made from a PVC pipe measuring a meter of length purchased at the market, an electronic circuit, a capacitor and an ultrasonic sensor that emits waves to detect obstacles and return a signal. It is also equipped with a rechargeable battery offering a range of one to two days».

After successfully completing his first mechanical rod, the electromechanic works on a second cane to which he intends to bring other innovations. “”I am currently working on this second prototype to which I intend to add an additional sensor capable of detecting surrounding objects and preventing possible breakdowns, especially during the rainy seasonHe specifies.

Read also: Half a century after its creation, the Union of the Blind of Mali suffers from the lack of support

The fact remains that the task is not easy knowing that many electronic components must be imported. “”I encounter difficulties during prototyping, especially due to the lack of certain materials, often imported from China, as well as other elements necessary for assemblyHe explains.

Despite these challenges, Mohamed Doumbia says that he is satisfied with this progress and continues to improve his invention so that she is perfect for the benefit of undeniable people. If all the materials are available, the manufacture of the cane can be done in a single day.

Beyond technological advances, Mali has recorded notable progress in the fight against the main cause of blindness. In May 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) validated Benin and Mali as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem.

The strategy followed in partnership with WHO “Includes surgery to treat the late trachoma complications, the administration of antibiotics to eliminate infection, facial cleaning and environmental improvement, in particular the improvement of water access and to sanitation»