The UAE is scaling up its global health efforts with a new initiative to combat river blindness, a neglected tropical disease that continues to affect millions in vulnerable communities across Africa and beyond.

Announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the initiative is expected to directly benefit seven million people and indirectly impact 35.4 million others over the next three years. The program will be implemented by Noor Dubai under the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI).

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; 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.

“Humanitarian action continues in the nation renowned for its generosity, as the UAE supports and empowers millions,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“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,” he added.

The event was also attended by His Highness 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; His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee; Her Highness 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.

Senior officials present included His Excellency Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary General of MBRGI; His Excellency Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority; and His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health.

Noor Dubai will oversee the implementation of the program, which includes the mass administration of medicines for prevention and treatment, community surveys and disease monitoring, and the training of local healthcare workers. The effort supports the World Health Organization’s roadmap to eliminate river blindness by 2030.

Also known as onchocerciasis, river blindness is caused by parasitic worms transmitted by blackflies. The disease can lead to severe itching, skin lesions, visual impairment, and permanent blindness. In some cases, early infection in children has also been linked to epilepsy.

The announcement comes as global health organizations intensify efforts to tackle neglected tropical diseases, which affect nearly one in five people worldwide. World Neglected Tropical Disease Day, observed annually on January 30, was first announced during the Reaching the Last Mile forum in Abu Dhabi in 2019 following UAE-backed diplomatic efforts. The day was officially recognized by the WHO in 2021.

Established in 2015, MBRGI oversees more than 30 initiatives and institutions focused on humanitarian aid, healthcare, education, innovation, and community empowerment. The organization has allocated over AED13.8 billion in humanitarian aid, supporting 788 million beneficiaries across 118 countries.

Founded in 2008, Noor Dubai has focused on eliminating preventable blindness globally through treatment programs, awareness campaigns, mobile clinics, and healthcare capacity-building initiatives. By the end of 2024, the foundation had reached more than 33 million beneficiaries across Asia and Africa, with a strong focus on neglected tropical diseases, including river blindness.