The UAE launched a major river blindness initiative through Noor Dubai to support millions of beneficiaries across affected communities worldwide.
DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched a new humanitarian initiative aimed at eliminating river blindness through Noor Dubai under the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. The programme targets seven million direct beneficiaries and more than 35 million indirect beneficiaries during the next three years.
The announcement was made in the presence of senior Dubai leaders including H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Senior government officials and healthcare leaders also attended the launch ceremony in Dubai.
Speaking during the announcement, Sheikh Mohammed said humanitarian work remains central to the UAE’s mission of supporting vulnerable communities globally. He described efforts to eliminate river blindness as part of a wider commitment to restoring dignity and improving quality of life for affected populations.
Under the initiative, Noor Dubai will supervise medicine distribution programmes for prevention and treatment, community health assessments and the training of local healthcare workers. The organisation aims to contribute towards fully eliminating river blindness by 2030 in line with World Health Organisation targets.
River blindness is a parasitic disease affecting the eyes and skin and is commonly transmitted through infected blackfly bites. Severe itching, skin damage and permanent loss of vision are among the most serious symptoms linked to the condition. Early exposure in children can also result in neurological complications.
The UAE has expanded its global healthcare role through humanitarian partnerships focused on neglected tropical diseases and preventable blindness. Founded in 2008, Noor Dubai has supported more than 33 million beneficiaries across Asia and Africa through medical treatment, awareness campaigns and mobile healthcare services.
The river blindness initiative further strengthens the UAE’s international humanitarian and healthcare outreach while supporting long-term disease eradication goals worldwide.
