(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) implemented a project to support the Nigerien Ministry of Health (MoH) by supplying ophthalmology equipment and eye care medications to health centres across the country.

Implemented under a partnership agreement with MoH's National Eye Health Programme (NEHP), this initiative was aimed at enhancing vital eye health care services in underserved areas. It involved five ophthalmology clinics at health centres in Loga, Dioundiou, and Tibiri, as well as the maternal and childhood centre (Dosso Region), and another in Gazoua (Maradi region). Five pharmacies at these centres were supplied with medications and medical consumables for eye diseases.

Another component of the project was to strengthen the capacity of MoH's regional administration by establishing a modern statistical office to track eye health indicators in the host communities.

A joint field delegation from QRCS' office in Niger and NEHP delivered medical equipment and pharmaceutical supplies recently. Technical teams carried out the distribution, installation, and initial operation of the new units at the target health centres.

The provisions included complete eye examination and treatment systems, such as slit lamps, adult and pediatric testing lenses/frames, rechargeable ophthalmoscopes, visual acuity charts, autorefractometers, and Goldmann Applanation Tonometers. Other items included basic surgical equipment such as foreign body removal kits, chalazion kits, and professional consultation chairs.

In terms of pharmaceutical supplies, the target clinics were provided with a various stock of ointments, eye drops, examination tools, corrective lenses, and other medical supplies.

By giving the locals access to specialised medical services without having to travel long distances, it helps reduce the rates of blindness and visual impairment resulting from treatable conditions such as cataracts.

Medical examinations and surgeries are also in progress as part of QRCS' medical convoy for ophthalmology in Niger. Co-implemented with Hamad Medical Corporation and NEHP, the mission involves medical examinations for a total of 6,000 patients, 1,436 cataract surgeries, distribution of medications for free, and eye health education programme.

QRCS is planning to launch a new medical convoy focused on school students, with medications and eyeglasses distributed to 1,000 students who have visual impairment, thus helping improve their health conditions and academic performance.

To raise the required QR400,000, donations can be received via QRCS' website (), mobile app (QRCS), donor service (66666364), home donation collection (33998898), or donation collection points at malls and shopping centres.

QRCS MoH eye care NEHP

MENAFN01122025000067011011ID1110417962