Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched a new humanitarian initiative aimed at eradicating river blindness, with Noor Dubai tapped to lead implementation over the next three years.
The initiative, announced under the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) umbrella, targets seven million direct beneficiaries and 35.4 million indirect beneficiaries. It was unveiled in the presence of senior members of the Dubai royal family, including Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and other senior members of the royal family.
"To fight blindness is to fight darkness and disability, and to empower people to lead a life with dignity,"
Sheikh Mohammed said at the announcement.
Noor Dubai will oversee mass medicine distribution, community health surveys, and the training of local healthcare workers as part of the programme, which is aligned with the WHO's 2021–2030 roadmap targeting river blindness for elimination.
River blindness is caused by parasitic worms transmitted through the skin and can lead to severe itching, skin damage, and permanent vision loss. In children, early exposure can also trigger epilepsy.
The UAE has long championed the global response to neglected tropical diseases. Its diplomatic efforts contributed to the establishment of World Neglected Tropical Disease Day, marked annually on 30 January, which was officially recognised by the WHO in 2021 after being announced at Abu Dhabi's 'Reaching the Last Mile' forum in 2019.
Founded in 2008, Noor Dubai has already reached more than 33 million beneficiaries across Asia and Africa through treatment, prevention and capacity-building programmes. MBRGI, established in 2015, has directed over AED 13.8 billion in humanitarian aid to 788 million people across 118 countries.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
