What Is The Project Launched By Sheikh Mohammed To Eradicate River Blindness?

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, recently launched a project, which is going to support efforts to eradicate River Blindness. It was launched on Sunday, May 10th, and the scheme targets 7 million direct beneficiaries. In fact, 35.4 million indirect beneficiaries will also be targeted over the next three years. Here’s all you need to know about the project launched by the Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed Launches Initiative To Eradicate River Blindness

As revealed in a report of the Dubai Media Office, the scheme will be implemented by Noor Dubai. Not to mention, it falls under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiative. But before we dive into the scheme, one must know about River Blindness.

What Is River Blindness?

For those who are wondering, River Blindness is caused by the bite of a black fly. This is a disease that affects the eyes and skin. This black fly has been infected by a parasitic worm. Symptoms of river blindness include intense itching, a rash, and even visual impairment, which can lead to permanent blindness. Early exposure in children can also cause epilepsy.

Did you know that more than 99% of the people who are infected with River Blindness are in Yemen and Africa? Yes, this is according to the data by the World Health Organisation. In fact, there were 252.3 million people who required treatment for the condition just in 2024.

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What Will Noor Dubai Do?

With the launch of this project, Noor Dubai will oversee mass administration of the medicine for prevention and treatment, community service, and assessments to monitor early signs of the disease. Not to mention, it will also see the training of local healthcare workers so that it realises the goal of fully eradicating River Blindness by 2030.

As revealed by the Dubai Media Office, Noor Dubai aims to create a world free from preventable blindness. More than 33 million beneficiaries have seen their lives improved across Asia and Africa by the end of 2024 through the efforts of the Foundation.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Finance of the UAE who is the Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai were also present.

Cover Image Courtesy: X/DXBMediaOffice