Noor Dubai Foundation Aids Thousands In The Philippines With Eye Care Services

The Noor Dubai Foundation, operating under the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), has successfully wrapped up its 2023 outreach programme in the Republic of the Philippines, marking a significant step towards its vision of a world free from avoidable causes of blindness. This UAE-based foundation has made notable strides in providing essential eye care services across two major locations within the Philippines, demonstrating a robust commitment to combating visual impairment on both a regional and international scale.

In an effort to address the urgent need for eye care, the foundation organized Cataract camps in November 2023 and February 2024, in the Municipality of Catarman and Borongan City respectively. These camps offered a range of services including diagnostic, therapeutic, and health care assistance to 1,969 patients suffering from various eye diseases. A total of 586 surgical operations were performed, and 454 medical glasses along with necessary medication were distributed among the patients in need.

Dr. Manal Taryam, board member and CEO of the Noor Dubai Foundation, shed light on the critical issue of visual impairment and the foundation's dedication to eradicating avoidable blindness through therapeutic, preventative, and educational programs. According to statistics from Noor Dubai’s local partner in the Philippines - the Eye and Ear Foundation - about 1.9 percent of the country's 117.3 million population suffers from visual impairment. Specifically, cataracts, identified as the leading cause of blindness globally, affect approximately 1.06 percent of the Filipino population, translating to around 1,261,400 individuals with this condition.

Overcoming Barriers to Eye Care

The scarcity of expert ophthalmologists in Catarman and Borongan poses a significant challenge to accessing quality eye care. Catarman lacks any registered ophthalmologists capable of performing cataract surgery, while Borongan has only one ophthalmologist serving the entire province of Eastern Samar. Coupled with the high cost of cataract surgery, which ranges between $1000 to $1700 against an average daily income not exceeding $6, these factors underscore the critical need for outreach programs like those conducted by Noor Dubai Foundation.

Support and Future Plans

The foundation's efforts were supported by SRJ Holding Limited, highlighting a collaborative approach towards humanitarian work. His Excellency Mr. Mohammed Al Qattam, the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines, commended the role of charitable organizations in fostering development and humanitarian assistance. He emphasized how such initiatives contribute to strengthening cooperation and friendship between nations.

Noor Dubai Foundation reaffirms its commitment to expanding its services in the Philippines, aiming to reach more individuals in need and alleviate their suffering through ongoing collaboration with local partners. This initiative not only addresses immediate health care needs but also contributes to building stronger communities by improving overall health outcomes.

With inputs from WAM