On an initiative by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, ERC launches health campaign to combat eye diseases in Morocco

10 April 2019

On an initiative by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), who is also the Honorary President of the Emirates Red Crescent, ERC, and "Mother of the Nation," the ERC launched a health campaign to combat eye diseases in Morocco, which benefitted 5,000 people in remote villages and regions.

The campaign includes white cataract removal and lens implants using advanced surgical techniques, which benefitted around 2,000 patients. It also conducted medical examinations on patients and provided medicines and glasses to 3,000 people.

An ERC delegation travelled to the Moroccan capital, Rabat, accompanied by a medical team, to launch the campaign, which will continue for an entire year.

Dr. Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, Secretary-General of the ERC, stated that Sheikha Fatima’s initiative to combat eye diseases in Morocco highlights her leading role in answering the humanitarian, health and development needs of various peoples and communities suffering from dire circumstances, as well as in achieving the aspirations of the wise leadership and the UAE’s sustainable giving strategy, through implementing ambitious development programmes and projects that will support such communities, providing the necessary health, education and social services, and improving the conditions of motherhood and childhood.

He added that Sheikha Fatima’s various initiatives are a strong message of humanitarian solidarity while explaining that the campaign is being monitored by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the ERC, and highlighting Sheikh Hamdan’s keenness to strengthen the ERC’s efforts and initiatives in Morocco.

The ERC has always supported the Moroccan people, Dr. Al Falahi said in conclusion.