Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has inaugurated a new initiative to perform 1,300 cataract surgeries and 2,300 medical examinations for poor patients with eye diseases in six Afghan provinces: Kunar, Laghman, Bamyan, Ghor, Kunduz, and Paktia.
The one-year project involves performing cataract examinations and procedures, providing medications and eyeglasses, implementing community awareness programs, and distributing informative fliers about prevention of eye diseases.
According to estimates, there are nearly 400,000 blind persons in Afghanistan and 1.5mn with low vision. Reports by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) show that cataract is the main cause of blindness in 60% of cases. Some 200,000 cases are still on the waiting list for cataract surgeries.
The inaugural ceremony in Kunar was attended by the manager of Provincial Health Bureau and representatives of local authorities, QRCS, the Afghan Education and Aid Organisation, and the Organisation for Promotion of Health and Community Development (OPHCD).
Wasifullah Wasifi, deputy governor of Kunar, welcomed the team and thanked QRCS for its support to such beneficial projects for the Afghan people, particularly the poor. He promised to help the team to have the work accomplished.
Dr Azizurrahman Safi, general director of the Health Bureau of Kunar, said the project would enable hundreds of patients, mostly women and poor people, to restore their vision and live normally.
“MoPH appreciates QRCS’ support for our people in many provinces and areas of assistance,” he added. “I hope there will be further support for the health sector at many levels”.
Zikrullah Hashimi, deputy manager of the Afghan Education and Aid Organisation, highly valued the countrywide partnership with QRCS in different areas, such as water, food, and nonfood assistance.
He pointed out that this was the first health project to work on, with generous contribution from QRCS. He described working with QRCS as a source of pride, thanks to its credibility, systematic work, and good selection of beneficiaries.
According to estimates, there are nearly 400,000 blind persons in Afghanistan and 1.5mn with low vision. Reports by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) show that cataract is the main cause of blindness in 60% of cases. Some 200,000 cases are still on the waiting list for cataract surgeries.
The inaugural ceremony in Kunar was attended by the manager of Provincial Health Bureau and representatives of local authorities, QRCS, the Afghan Education and Aid Organisation, and the Organisation for Promotion of Health and Community Development (OPHCD).
Wasifullah Wasifi, deputy governor of Kunar, welcomed the team and thanked QRCS for its support to such beneficial projects for the Afghan people, particularly the poor. He promised to help the team to have the work accomplished.
Dr Azizurrahman Safi, general director of the Health Bureau of Kunar, said the project would enable hundreds of patients, mostly women and poor people, to restore their vision and live normally.
“MoPH appreciates QRCS’ support for our people in many provinces and areas of assistance,” he added. “I hope there will be further support for the health sector at many levels”.
Zikrullah Hashimi, deputy manager of the Afghan Education and Aid Organisation, highly valued the countrywide partnership with QRCS in different areas, such as water, food, and nonfood assistance.
He pointed out that this was the first health project to work on, with generous contribution from QRCS. He described working with QRCS as a source of pride, thanks to its credibility, systematic work, and good selection of beneficiaries.