Noor Dubai initiative: A gift of sight

The emirate of Dubai yesterday announced a new charity initiative that aims to heal one million blind and visually-impaired people around the world, especially in the developing countries.

Dubbed Noor Dubai, the initiative launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will help sufferers in Iraq, Afghanistan, Mali, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Egypt, Jordan and Palestine – as well as those in the UAE.

FIGHTING BLINDNESS

"I am proud to announce the launch of the Noor Dubai initiative as a gift from the UAE to the world and from the people of the UAE to their fellow brothers and sisters who are in need of help and hope," said Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Event Management Corporation, speaking on behalf of his father, Shaikh Mohammad.

He noted that 90 per cent of the world’s visually impaired live in developing countries, which include all the Arab and Muslim countries.

He also cited World Health Organisation’s estimates that 75 per cent of blindness is treatable and/or preventable.

Dubai Health Authority will be in charge of implementing the Noor Dubai agenda in collaboration with two leading international organisations: Lions Clubs International and ORBIS International.

"The initiative targets children and adults with treatable visual impairment who have limited income. These patients will be brought to Dubai, and Dubai Hospital will be one of the medical institutions designated to treat them," said Dr Abdul Razzaq Al Madani, Director of Dubai Hospital, adding that the hospital has already started treating patients under the programme.

In search of a bright world

Six-year-old Iraqi boy Ahmad Al Awadi, who suffers from blindness, speech and movement impairments, was among those present at the announcement of the Dubai Noor programme.

"We came here from Iraq four years ago in the hope of getting some treatment and training for Ahmad," said his father Hussain. "It is difficult for a low-income family to undertake the cost of training and treatment necessary for people in Ahmad’s condition."

Through their doctor at Sharjah’s Al Qasimi Hospital, Hussain was informed of the upcoming Noor Dubai programme and Ahmad was quickly registered for it.