Noor Dubai Foundation signs MOU to launch comprehensive eye care programme in Nigeria

Noor Dubai Foundation, a UAE-based non-governmental charity organisation and part of the Mohamed bin Rashid Global Initiatives, has signed an agreement with the Katsina State Government of Nigeria for a comprehensive eye care programme to provide sustainable preventive and curative eye care services for the Nigerian state of Katsina.

This 4-year (2019 to 2022) sustainable programme supports the “Vision 2020” global initiative and the National Eye Health Programme in Nigeria. It is aimed at improving the quality of life and socio-economic status of people of Katsina and in neighboring states through ensuring an improved access to innovative high quality eye care services.

The agreement was signed under the patronage and presence of the Wife of the President of Nigeria, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari who received the UAE delegation team in the presidential palace. The delegation team was headed by Dr. Manal Taryam, CEO of Noor Dubai Foundation and included members of the UAE diplomatic mission in Nigeria. The Katsina state government was represented by the Deputy Governor of the state -Mannir Yakubu.

Dr. Taryam, praised the generous patronage of the programme by the Nigerian First Lady and the implementation partnership from the Katsina State Government and partners.

“The programme is budgeted at $2 million and is projected to provide a socio-economic yield of $8 million in increased productivity. Furthermore, it will be comprehensive in addressing all major causes of visual loss, (including cataract, Glaucoma, Refractive Error, Low vision etc); Human resource development, infrastructure upgrades and equipment supply; School Eye health, rehabilitation support services for the permanently blind, as well as health education and awareness”, added Dr. Taryam.