Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has unveiled a new initiative aimed at eradicating river blindness. This ambitious effort seeks to support ongoing global efforts to address the disease.
According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative was launched in the presence of several dignitaries, including H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and other prominent officials. The project aims to directly benefit seven million people and indirectly help 35.4 million others over the next three years. It will be executed by Noor Dubai under the umbrella of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI).
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized the importance of humanitarian action, stating that the UAE continues to support and empower millions globally. He further highlighted that combating blindness is integral to enabling dignity and independence for affected individuals.
The event was also graced by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and other esteemed leaders. Key figures such as Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, and Dr. Amer Sharif were in attendance, reinforcing the broad support for the initiative.
Noor Dubai will lead the project's implementation, focusing on mass medicine administration, disease monitoring, and training healthcare workers. The ultimate goal is to eradicate river blindness by 2030. This disease, caused by parasitic worms, affects the eyes and skin and can lead to severe symptoms and blindness if untreated.
World Neglected Tropical Disease Day, observed annually on January 30, aims to increase awareness and action against diseases like river blindness. The UAE played a pivotal role in establishing this day, which was recognized by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2021. The WHO has identified river blindness as a priority for elimination in its 2021-2030 roadmap.
The MBRGI, established in 2015, coordinates over 30 initiatives to address humanitarian needs globally. It has allocated more than AED13.8 billion to aid 788 million people in 118 countries. Noor Dubai, founded in 2008, has significantly improved lives by focusing on preventable blindness, benefiting over 33 million individuals across Asia and Africa by the end of 2024.