Post by : Shakul
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has unveiled an extensive humanitarian campaign focused on eradicating river blindness, profoundly improving the lives of millions afflicted by this disease. The initiative, launched in Dubai under the auspices of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, will be implemented in conjunction with Noor Dubai. It is anticipated that approximately seven million people will receive direct benefits, while over 35 million individuals will gain indirect support within the next three years.
This announcement was made at a prominent event attended by senior members of Dubai's ruling family and key government officials, including Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. The presence of senior figures in healthcare and humanitarian efforts underlined the UAE's commitment to global health and humanitarian outreach.
Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that humanitarian initiatives are a cornerstone of the UAE’s values, emphasizing the imperative of aiding individuals in regaining their health and dignity as a shared global obligation. He remarked that combating blindness translates into alleviating suffering, disability, and poverty. He further noted that the UAE will persist in launching humanitarian initiatives aimed at bettering lives and supporting vulnerable populations worldwide.
River blindness, scientifically termed onchocerciasis, is a severe ailment affecting the skin and eyes, caused by parasitic worms transmitted by blackflies. If untreated, it can lead to severe itching, skin deterioration, vision loss, and permanent blindness. Numerous patients develop painful skin nodules, and early instances in children can induce neurological complications like epilepsy. The disease predominantly affects communities across Africa and selected regions in Latin America and Asia.
Under this new initiative, Noor Dubai will oversee extensive medicine distribution programs aimed at prevention and treatment. The organization will also execute community health assessments and provide training for local healthcare professionals to detect early infection symptoms. Officials reported that this program aligns with the global aim of eradicating river blindness by 2030, in accordance with the World Health Organization’s roadmap addressing neglected tropical diseases.
The UAE has taken significant steps to enhance global awareness regarding neglected tropical diseases in recent years. The internationally recognized World Neglected Tropical Disease Day, celebrated annually on January 30, received substantial backing from the UAE's diplomatic community prior to its official endorsement by the World Health Organization in 2021. The UAE has consistently invested valuable resources into international healthcare initiatives through humanitarian partnerships.
Founded in 2015, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives organization currently manages over 30 humanitarian and development endeavors spanning various sectors such as healthcare, education, innovation, and disaster relief. Since its inception, it has reportedly delivered humanitarian aid valued in billions of dirhams and positively impacted hundreds of millions globally. Noor Dubai has already assisted over 33 million beneficiaries across Asia and Africa through initiatives focused on blindness prevention, treatment, awareness, and mobile medical services.
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