Noor Dubai Foundation And Choithram Initiate Cataract Surgery Outreach Programme In Sierra Leone

Choithram International Foundation and Noor Dubai Foundation, in collaboration with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health, have launched a three-year cataract outreach programme. This initiative aims to tackle avoidable blindness in Sierra Leone. Partnering with Choithram Memorial Hospital in Freetown and leveraging expertise from India’s Choithram Netralaya, the programme seeks to reduce the high prevalence of untreated cataracts in the region.

A 2021 study highlighted that 5.4% of Sierra Leoneans aged 50 and above are blind, affecting over 43,000 people. Cataracts are the main cause, responsible for nearly 60% of cases. However, less than one-third receive surgery. Gender disparities also exist in surgical outcomes and coverage.

The programme plans to conduct around 60,000 screenings and perform 6,000 cataract surgeries over three years. This will help many regain their sight and improve their quality of life. Additionally, two ophthalmologists and four nurses from Sierra Leone will receive monthly training from Choithram Netralaya specialists to build local expertise.

Dr. Manal Taryam, CEO of Noor Dubai Foundation, stated: "Ensuring access to quality eye care is not just about restoring sight—it’s about restoring dignity, independence, and opportunity." The initiative aims to empower communities by eliminating avoidable blindness and strengthening local ophthalmic capacity for long-term impact.

To ensure high-quality care, a six-month surgical outreach camp will be held annually between January and June. Screenings will occur at district hospitals first, followed by online assessments by CMH experts. A final screening will happen a day before surgery in Freetown.

L.T. Pagarani, Chairman of Choithrams Group, praised UAE leadership for promoting outreach efforts. "Their vision inspires us," he said. The Lighthouse Project combines public-private partnerships to achieve humanitarian goals. Pagarani emphasized the commitment to sustainable social and economic impact in Sierra Leone.

Logistics and Patient Support

Choithram Netralaya has performed over 200,000 free cataract surgeries globally. For this programme, logistics are well-planned: Choithram Memorial Hospital will manage patient transport to eliminate cost barriers. Patients will receive meals, lodging, and transport allowances during their stay for surgery.

Post-operative care is available at district hospitals so patients can access ongoing support without traveling far from home. Free medication upon discharge aids recovery.

Programme Evaluation

The programme's effectiveness is being evaluated by Dr Gabriel Osei-Anokye and Dr Ving Fai Chan from Queen’s University Belfast alongside Noor Dubai Foundation researchers. They aim to assess improvements in vision and patient care quality while examining broader socioeconomic benefits for those lacking access.

The evaluation team uses global health expertise to provide data-driven insights for future outreach efforts. Their findings will enhance the sustainability of cataract treatment programmes both in Sierra Leone and worldwide.

With inputs from WAM