DUBAI: In an effort to address the significant 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 prevalence of visual impairment at 1.2 percent, Somaliland faces substantial challenges in addressing eye health issues. Cataracts remain the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness, accounting for 80 percent of cases in the region. According to statistics from 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 Foundatio
n is a UAE-based foundation working under the umbrella of the Mohamed Bin Rashid Global Initiatives (MBRGI) for the prevention of blindness globally
The collaboration with local medical staff allowed 698 cataract surgeries across Berbera and Bosaso. This partnership model aims to increase accessibility to quality eye care, reduce the burden of visual disability, and build surgical capacity within the country.
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.
In Bosaso, the economic capital of Puntland, another 1,429 medical consultations were provided, along with 323 cataract surgeries, while 1,095 eyeglasses and 2,024 medications were distributed to support the local community.
Nasser Abdulla, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of DP World Foundation, said, “We are proud to partner with Noor Dubai Foundation and local NGOs to provide c
ritical eye care services to the people of Somaliland. Our commitment to improving access to quality healthcare remains unwavering, and through collaborative efforts such as these, we aim to make a meaningful impact in reducing visual impairment and enhancing the overall well-being of the community.”
Dr. Manal Taryam, CEO and Board Member of Noor Dubai Foundation, said, “Noor Dubai Foundation is dedicated to supporting access to eye-care services globally and this continues to be a relevant matter that requires our intervention. We are honoured to partner with DP World Foundation to expand our reach and impact in new geographies to ensure a meaningful impact on the communities served.’
Source: Emirates News Agency