In co-operation with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the National Blindness Control Programme of Mauritania's Ministry of Health, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) completed phase 2 of the medical convoy to treat eye diseases in Mauritania.
The project was completed through the Hamad bin Khalifa Hospital in Boutilimit, operated by QRCS with funding from Education Above All (EAA), QRCS said in a statement.
Under phases 1 and 2, there were 1,097 cataract surgeries, 39 pterygium operations, and 5,629 medical examinations for the benefit of poor and older people at risk of blindness. Phase 3 is in progress, with a target of 800 surgeries and 2,000 medical examinations for patients in three Mauritanian provinces.
Director of Relief and International Development Division at QRCS Dr Mohamed Salah Ibrahim said: "The project involves multiple medical and surgical campaigns to detect eye diseases and perform cataract surgeries over six months. It seeks to help the poor patients and alleviate their suffering, amid difficult economic conditions of the population and limited medical resources at local hospitals.
"I would like to thank IsDB for constantly supporting such projects that have far-reaching health and social outcomes for the target beneficiaries and help reduce disability and loss of sight."
The Hamad bin Khalifa Hospital was established in 2007 in Boutilimit, southwestern Mauritania, under the supervision of, and with support from EAA. It pursues the strategic goal of providing high-quality healthcare at affordable prices for the poor to avoid the need to travel for treatment in Nouakchott or abroad.
