Doha: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has initiated a significant ophthalmology and anti-blindness campaign in Niger, with the objective of enhancing access to specialized ophthalmology services for the most vulnerable populations.

According to Qatar News Agency, the project is being executed by Niger's National Eye Health Program (PNSO) in collaboration with QRCS's representation office in Niger and Direct Aid - Niger. The initiative is jointly funded by QRCS and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). The project aims to provide medical examinations and consultations for 12,000 patients with eye conditions, alongside performing 2,000 cataract surgeries to improve eye health across the Niamey, Diffa, Tillaberi, and Zinder regions.

The campaign is part of the Alliance to Fight Avoidable Blindness (AFAB), an international public health initiative spearheaded by IsDB, in cooperation with partner countries and organizations. AFAB focuses on treating and preventing cataract-induced and avoidable blindness in sub-Saharan Africa, aligning with global efforts to combat preventable vision impairment.