Noor Dubai, the UAE-based charity initiative focused on preventing low vision and curable forms of blindness, has treated more than half a million individuals across the MEA and Asia region in its first six months of operations.

The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid initiative, administered by the Dubai Health Authority, announced its half-year progress today with the Lions Club International Foundation, the world’s largest volunteer service organisation.

Noor Dubai is funding the foundation’s fight against river blindness and other preventable vision loss in Africa, and has so far healed more than 400,000 in Ethiopia, Mali, Cameroon and Uganda.

Working with Middle East-based and international NGOs, Noor Dubai has also restored vision to more than 100,000 people across the Middle East and South Asia by providing cataract surgeries, medication and corrective eyewear.

Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, CEO of Noor Dubai and director general of the Dubai Health Authority, described the half-million mark as a significant milestone.

“Sheikh Mohammed founded Noor Dubai in September 2008 with the aim of healing more than one million men, women and children around the world in one year. We are honoured to have crossed the half-way mark in less than six months, thanks to our pioneering partners, and are confident of achieving our goal,” he said.

Dr Tebebe Berhan of the Lions Club in Ethiopia said: 'The commitment and generosity of Sheikh Mohammed and the Noor Dubai organization towards river blindness control is highly significant.'

'The fight against this debilitating disease is critical not only in terms of public health but also for its positive effect on economic development and poverty reduction.'

'The control of this disease thus positively impacts the health and vitality of individuals and their communities as well,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service