The Dubai Health Authority and Noor Dubai Foundation sign MoU to benefit those suffering from critical eye disease

Press release UAE, Dubai, October 11, 2018: The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Noor Dubai Foundation signed a MoU on Thursday (11 October) to benefit UAE residents in need, who are suffering from critical eye diseases or chronic diseases that may lead to visual impairment.

The MoU was signed on World Sight Day, which falls on October 11 every year.

Dr Manal Taryam, the CEO and Board member of Noor Dubai Foundation and Salim Bin Lahej, Director of the Moussadah (help) committee and Head of the Healthcare Fund Office at the DHA signed the MoU at the DHA headquarters in Dubai in the presence of H.E Humaid Al Qutami, Director General of the DHA.

The MoU was signed to support the foundation in providing treatment to UAE Residents with limited means who are suffering from critical eye diseases or chronic diseases that may lead to visual impairment (such as diabetic retinopathy).

It also aims to prevent the spread of diseases that cause blindness and educate the public about the causes of preventable blindness and how to avoid them.

In the UAE, Noor Dubai Foundation has treated 201 cases since 2016 and provided treatment worth AED 1.76 million.

Commenting on the MoU, H.E Al Qutami said the DHA is pleased to sign such a MoU that benefits those in need of critical eye treatment in the UAE.

He added that the DHA is keen to collaborate with Noor Dubai to reinforce humanitarian work especially to reduce the burden of those at risk of going blind and to help alleviate their suffering.

Al Qutami commended the efforts of both Noor Dubai Foundation and the DHA’s Healthcare Fund Office for their continuous efforts in supporting those in need and reinforcing a culture of giving and philanthropy in the UAE.

Meanwhile, Dr Taryam said, “Noor Dubai is known for the international aid it provides to those suffering from critical eye diseases. This MoU, however, focuses on reinforcing the foundation’s programmes in the UAE and providing treatment to UAE residents in need, who are suffering from critical eye diseases and chronic diseases that may lead to visual impairment.

“Those eligible for treatment must be UAE residents who are in need and suffer from any critical eye disease or chronic disease that can cause blindness. As part of the MoU, DHA will provide consultation and treatment in its facilities while Noor Dubai will provide the funding.”

Since its inception in 2008, Noor Dubai Foundation has provided more than 27 million individuals from all over Africa and Asia have with free treatment and preventive programmes (which includes provision of surgeries, eyeglasses, and medication).