Zayed Charitable Foundation Collaborates With Noor Dubai To Manage Diabetic Eye Disease In Morocco Using AI Technology

The Zayed Charitable & Humanitarian Foundation has partnered with Noor Dubai Foundation to enhance diabetic eye disease management in Morocco. This initiative aims to prevent blindness worldwide by establishing a comprehensive screening programme for early detection of diabetic retinopathy. The project will utilise Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, especially in remote regions, over a six-year period.

Dr Mohamed Ateeq Al Falahi, Director General of the Zayed Charitable & Humanitarian Foundation, and Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Chairman of Noor Dubai Foundation, attended the signing ceremony. Dr Manal Omran Taryam, CEO of Noor Dubai Foundation, and other humanitarian professionals were also present. The collaboration seeks to improve healthcare infrastructure and train medical personnel.

The programme will incorporate AI to develop guidelines for diabetic retinopathy and create patient referral pathways. Training for physicians and healthcare providers is also planned. Dr Mohamed Al Falahi highlighted the importance of partnerships with specialised foundations to deliver advanced services using AI. He stated that this aligns with the "Zayed Humanitarian Legacy" initiative launched in March 2024.

Al Falahi emphasised that introducing advanced technologies like AI offers innovative solutions to challenges faced by governments in providing accessible healthcare. He praised Noor Dubai’s approach to addressing service delivery issues with sustainable solutions. Awadh Al Ketbi echoed the significance of partnerships in delivering impactful programmes both locally and internationally.

Awadh Al Ketbi expressed satisfaction with partnering with Zayed Charitable & Humanitarian Foundation. He noted that this collaboration supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 17 on partnerships. The partnership aims to provide essential services in Morocco and reduce the impact of diabetes on vision and wellbeing.

Dr Manal Taryam discussed the challenges posed by non-communicable diseases causing blindness and visual disabilities. She highlighted Noor Dubai's success in advancing SDGs by preventing blindness through tele-ophthalmology and AI technologies. Global data indicates that 387 million people live with diabetes mellitus, expected to rise significantly by 2035.

Innovative Solutions for Eye Care

The American Academy of Ophthalmology estimated that 27% of diabetic patients suffer from diabetic retinopathy as of 2023. This statistic underscores the need for effective interventions. Noor Dubai is committed to combating avoidable blindness globally through innovation.

Taryam reaffirmed Noor Dubai’s dedication: "We are dedicated to fighting preventable blindness by harnessing innovation and technology to deliver solutions that transform lives." By integrating AI and tele-ophthalmology into their efforts, they aim for a future where quality eye care is accessible regardless of geographical or economic barriers.

With inputs from WAM