Qatar Red Crescent Society Treats Eye Diseases of 9,690 Patients in Afghanistan

Doha, February 21 (QNA) - Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has completed a three-month project to treat eye diseases of 9,690 poor patients in remote areas of Afghanistan, at a total cost of USD162,115 (QR 591,720). In partnership with the Afghan Education and Aid Organization, the project aimed at reducing blindness rates and enhancing eye health in remote areas, by performing medical examinations and cataract operations, raising community awareness about eye disease prevention, and improving the socioeconomic conditions of poor families. A series of health interventions and awareness activities were conducted in six provinces (Kunduz, Ghor, Paktia, Laghman, Kunar, and Bamiyan), QRCS said. Prior to the start of implementation, cooperation agreements and contracts were signed with the concerned parties both at the government and public levels. The project's resources were secured such as ophthalmologist, assistant technician, equipment, medications, eyeglasses, and awareness materials. The beneficiary lists and host hospitals were selected in coordination with provincial health offices, QRCS added. This project falls under QRCS's medical camps, which involve multiple coordination aspects and a wide media and community impact. Being QRCS's first eye treatment project there, it contributes to the efforts of Afghanistan's Ministry of Health (MOH) to promote eye health and anti-blindness activities in Afghanistan. It offers prospects for future cooperation with MOH in this and other health-related fields. (QNA)