Mohammed bin Rashid launches river blindness initiative

Announcement in the presence of senior leadership

Announced in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, 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 Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE; and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, the initiative targets seven million direct beneficiaries and 35.4 million indirect beneficiaries over the next three years. It will be implemented by Noor Dubai, under the umbrella of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI).

Mohammed bin Rashid affirms UAE humanitarian commitment

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated: “Humanitarian action continues in the nation renowned for its generosity, as the UAE supports and empowers millions.”

His Highness added: “To fight blindness is to fight darkness and disability, and to empower people to lead a life with dignity. We remain committed to launching such initiatives.”

Attendance of senior officials and dignitaries

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum were also in attendance.

Also present were Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Dr Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, and Dr Amer Sharif.

Noor Dubai to implement eradication programme

Noor Dubai will oversee implementation of the project, including mass treatment campaigns, community health surveys, and training of local healthcare workers, with the goal of fully eradicating river blindness by 2030.

About river blindness and global awareness

River blindness is a parasitic disease affecting the eyes and skin, transmitted by blackflies, and can lead to severe itching, skin damage, and irreversible blindness. In some cases, early infection in children can result in epilepsy.

World Neglected Tropical Disease Day is marked annually on 30 January to raise awareness of such diseases affecting millions globally.

UAE role in global health initiatives

The day was established through UAE diplomatic efforts and announced at the “Reaching the Last Mile” forum in Abu Dhabi in 2019, before being recognised by the World Health Organisation in 2021.

The WHO’s 2021–2030 roadmap lists river blindness among diseases targeted for elimination.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives

Established in 2015, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) operates across humanitarian aid, healthcare, education, innovation, and community empowerment, having supported hundreds of millions of beneficiaries worldwide.

Noor Dubai’s impact

Founded in 2008, Noor Dubai has helped more than 33 million beneficiaries across Asia and Africa through treatment, prevention, awareness programmes, mobile clinics, and capacity-building efforts aimed at eliminating preventable blindness.