NDF, DIHF sign MoU to support programmes to combat blindness

Dubai / Emirates Business

Noor Dubai Foundation (NDF), a Dubai based non-governmental organization (NGO) active in prevention of avoidable causes of blindness, and Dubai
Islamic Humanitarian Foundation (DIHF) extended their partnership
by signing a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) for the sixth
consecutive year.
DIHF has helped sponsor eye treatment and surgeries in Asia and Africa and will now extend its support for mobile eye clinic programmes within the UAE.
Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Noor Dubai Foundation, said the MoU will help further strengthen blindness education, prevention and treatment programmes.
“Since its inception, the foundation has provided education, prevention and treatment for treatable blindness to more than 24 million people around the world. Our treatment programmes have mainly taken place by organising mobile eye camps in countries in Asia and Africa and treatment included medical tests and surgical procedures. In addition, we have also provided free eye screening and consultation programmes in the UAE,” he added.
Abdul Razak Abdullah, Chief Executive of Dubai Islamic Humanitarian Foundation, said: “This partnership is aimed to support Noor Dubai Foundation’s humanitarian work in Asia and Africa through education, prevention and treatment programmes for preventable blindness diseases. Health is vital for the development of communities and for economic growth in
developing countries.”
Abdullah said that the funding provided by the DIHF will not only help set up therapeutic camps in countries of need but also help provide free consultation and treatment for the underprivileged in the UAE through the mobile clinic.
Dr. Manal Al Taryam, CEO of Noor Dubai Foundation highlighted the importance of such programmes and its importance in helping the Foundation reach out to those in need across the globe to combat preventable blindness.
She said that the Foundation has held several therapeutic eye camps and is now preparing to expand its services through the mobile clinic that will help the underprivileged in the UAE.
The mobile clinic will act as a tool to provide programmes for early detection of preventable eye diseases. The Foundation will reach out to various segments of society including the elderly, school and university students, workers etc., to provide education and early detection and those who need treatment will receive treatment and follow-up care.
Al Taryam said the mobile clinic was awarded at the Dubai Government Excellence programme in the category of outstanding intergovernmental project.
In the last two years, the mobile camp has served 5000 people in UAE and distributed more than 650
eyeglasses.