Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, affirmed that the UAE, through Noor Dubai has treated 18 million people from trachoma, which is a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) causing blindness.

Sheikh Mohammed added: “In addition, we distributed 87 million doses to prevent the disease, besides 350,000 medical operations performed for the blind, and training 50,000 of the health professionals. Nothing whatsoever will hinder or stop the march of the UAE for the good of all humanity around the globe.”

On the occasion of the World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, stressed that the UAE will continue to work with partners to provide support to those affected by the neglected tropical diseases around the world.

Sheikh Mohamed stressed that development and peace cannot be globally achieved without an effective response to disease, especially in poor societies.

Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Mohamed Bin Zayed tweeted: “On the International Day of Neglected Tropical Diseases, we remember those around the globe who are facing the dangers of these diseases and are affected by them, and those who are in need for support and help. The UAE will continue working with partners to provide this support.”

On January 30, global civil society advocates, community leaders, global health experts, and policymakers will unite to mark the second annual World NTD Day.

Created to galvanise the global health community and engage the general public in the urgent effort to end neglected tropical diseases, World NTD Day will bring together more than 300 partner organisations from 55 countries working across the diverse global health landscape to end NTDs.