Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD) has been playing an instrumental role in supporting Qatar's endeavors to provide aid to countries most in need during the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

With its continued efforts to reach out to other nations while it continues to fight the disease internally, Qatar has made it abundantly clear that the need for global health care cooperation is ever more important.

Recently, under the same ambition, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani pledged Qatar's support of $20 million to Gavi - the global vaccine alliance - to support vaccinations and immunizations in some of the poorest countries in the world against infectious disease.

Earlier last month, Qatar also joined hands with four other nations including Canada, Denmark, South Korea, and Sierra Leone, to launch a global forum, the Group of Friends of Solidarity for Global Health Security.

Yesterday, Qatar News Agency reported that the 'Qatar Creating Vision' initiative, under QFFD, has crossed its targets and helped millions of children in India and Bangladesh see better.

"Qatar Creating Vision" initiative, launched by Qatar through Qatar Fund for Development provides over 6.5 million eye tests and treatments to children across India and Bangladesh – a million more than the original target. #QNA

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) June 7, 2020

The eye health initiative, which is funded by QFFD and led by international blindness prevention charity Orbis, focuses efforts on reducing childhood blindness in India and Bangladesh.

The project saw over 6.5 million eye tests and treatments provided to Indian and Bangladeshi children. The number is a million more than the originally set target. 

The efforts under the project also included training of community leaders to develop skills within communities to encourage people toward eye care services.

Consequently, more than 80,000 teachers, students, religious leaders have been trained to detect the first signs of vision loss since work began in 2016. 

QFFD director-general, Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari said, "We are delighted that we have been able to support the Qatar Creating Vision initiative reach even more people than originally planned and with a few more months of the initiative to go with our strategic implementing partner Orbis, even more can be achieved thanks to the charity's hard work.

"Sometimes a simple pair of glasses or a short operation is all it takes to help a child get the most out of their education, or enable an adult to support their family. The Qatar Creating Vision initiative has provided opportunities for people to seek the treatment they deserve."

India and Bangladesh are among the countries with some of the highest childhood blindness numbers in the world. Costs and access to treatment are two major concerns, which the project seeks to address.

As 80 percent of a child's learning takes place through their vision, a lack of sight may result in a lack of education and missed opportunities. However, half of these cases are preventable and treatable.

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Cover and Inline Image Credit: QNA