UAE unveils global campaign targeting river blindness eradication by 2030
Noor Dubai programme targets seven million direct beneficiaries
DUBAI – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has launched a new initiative aimed at eradicating river blindness and improving the lives of millions affected by the disease worldwide.
The initiative, announced under the umbrella of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), will be implemented by Noor Dubai and is expected to reach seven million direct beneficiaries and 35.4 million indirect beneficiaries over the next three years.
The announcement was made 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; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE; and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
Global mission
Speaking during the launch, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said humanitarian work remains a defining pillar of the UAE’s approach to global development and support.
“Humanitarian action continues in the nation renowned for its generosity, as the UAE supports and empowers millions,” His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said. He added that combating blindness means confronting “darkness and disability” while enabling individuals to live with dignity and independence.
The initiative forms part of broader international efforts to eliminate neglected tropical diseases, with river blindness identified by the World Health Organization’s 2021-2030 roadmap as one of the diseases targeted for eradication.
River blindness, medically known as onchocerciasis, is a disease affecting the skin and eyes and is caused by microscopic parasitic worms transmitted through infected blackfly bites. Symptoms include severe itching, skin discolouration, nodules beneath the skin and eye damage that can eventually result in permanent blindness. In children, early exposure may also lead to epilepsy in some cases.
Medical strategy
Noor Dubai will oversee the programme through a multi-layered healthcare strategy designed to accelerate prevention and treatment efforts in affected regions.
The plan includes large-scale medicine distribution campaigns, community assessments to detect early symptoms, and extensive training programmes for local healthcare workers. The organisation aims to contribute significantly towards the global target of eliminating river blindness by 2030.
The initiative also reflects the UAE’s growing involvement in international healthcare partnerships and disease-control programmes, particularly in regions across Africa and Asia where neglected tropical diseases remain widespread.
World Neglected Tropical Disease Day, marked annually on 30 January, was first proposed during the ‘Reaching the Last Mile’ forum held in Abu Dhabi in 2019. The initiative received strong backing through the UAE’s diplomatic efforts before being officially recognised by the World Health Organization in 2021. The annual observance aims to mobilise governments, charities and healthcare organisations against diseases affecting nearly one in five people globally.
Humanitarian reach
Established in 2015, MBRGI operates as an umbrella organisation for more than 30 initiatives and entities working across humanitarian relief, healthcare, education, innovation and community empowerment.
The organisation has allocated more than Dh13.8 billion towards humanitarian aid and relief projects, supporting around 788 million people in 118 countries.
Noor Dubai, founded in 2008, has focused extensively on preventing avoidable blindness through treatment campaigns, awareness programmes, mobile medical clinics and healthcare training initiatives. By the end of 2024, the foundation had supported more than 33 million beneficiaries across Asia and Africa.
The foundation has played a particularly active role in addressing neglected tropical diseases, including river blindness, through long-term healthcare interventions and partnerships with international organisations.
Among those attending the announcement were Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee; Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; and His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Also present were Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary General of MBRGI; Dr Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority; and Dr Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health.