DP World And Noor Dubai Spearhead Eye-Care Outreach In Horn Of Africa
In a bid to address the pressing need for quality eye care in the Horn of Africa, DP World Foundation and Noor Dubai Foundation recently collaborated with local NGOs to conduct two cataract surgical outreach programmes in Somaliland and Puntland.
With a population of 5.7 million and a visual impairment prevalence of 1.2 percent, Somaliland faces significant challenges in eye health. Cataracts are the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness, accounting for 80 percent of cases in the region. According to the International Agency for Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), visual loss in Somalia is alarmingly high at 9.10 percent, with around 53 percent of females suffering from visual impairment.
DP World Foundation is the charitable arm of DP World, a global ports and logistics company. In Somaliland, it operates the Berbera Port and Berbera Economic Zone. It also operates Bosaso Port in the neighbouring Puntland region of Somalia. Noor Dubai Foundation is a UAE-based foundation working under the umbrella of the Mohamed Bin Rashid Global Initiatives (MBRGI) for the prevention of blindness globally.
Collaborative Efforts and Impact
The collaboration with local medical staff facilitated 698 cataract surgeries across Berbera and Bosaso. This partnership model aims to increase accessibility to quality eye care, reduce visual disability, and build surgical capacity within the country.
Medical Outreach in Berbera
In Berbera, the capital of the Sahil region, 1,350 medical consultations were conducted along with 375 cataract surgeries. Additionally, 299 eyeglasses and 1,039 medications were distributed to those in need.
Medical Outreach in Bosaso
In Bosaso, the economic capital of Puntland, another 1,429 medical consultations were provided, along with 323 cataract surgeries. Furthermore, 1,095 eyeglasses and 2,024 medications were distributed to support the local community.
Statements from Key Figures
Nasser Abdulla, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of DP World Foundation, stated, "We are proud to partner with Noor Dubai Foundation and local NGOs to provide critical eye care services to the people of Somaliland. Our commitment to improving access to quality healthcare remains unwavering."
Dr. Manal Taryam, CEO and Board Member of Noor Dubai Foundation, commented, "Noor Dubai Foundation is dedicated to supporting access to eye-care services globally. We are honoured to partner with DP World Foundation to expand our reach and impact in new geographies."
This collaborative effort between DP World Foundation and Noor Dubai Foundation highlights their dedication to improving eye health in Somaliland and Puntland through accessible medical services and community support.
With inputs from WAM
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