A new campaign offering free cataract surgery has been launched in Côte d'Ivoire with the financial support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The initiative, which kicked off on November 4, 2026, at the Treichville University Hospital in Abidjan, aims to provide surgical interventions to over 800 people suffering from cataracts. This will enable them to regain their autonomy and improve their quality of life.
The campaign is part of the "Nour al-Saudia" project, implemented through the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Action, in collaboration with the International Al-Basar Foundation and the group of spouses of ambassadors and diplomatic mission heads accredited in Côte d'Ivoire. The Ivoirian Minister of Health, Pierre Dimba, attended the launch and welcomed this solidarity effort, which contributes to improving access to eye care for vulnerable populations.
Minister Dimba noted that cataracts remain one of the main causes of avoidable blindness in Côte d'Ivoire, often leading to progressive loss of autonomy, difficulties in daily activities, and negative impacts on family incomes. He expressed his hope that these humanitarian missions will promote sustainable transfers of skills, expertise, and technology to Ivoirian healthcare teams, strengthening national capacities to improve eye disease management.
The Saudi Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, Saad Bin Bakheat Alqathami, presented the "Nour al-Saudia" project as a healthcare and humanitarian initiative providing specialized ophthalmology and eye surgery services. He emphasized that its implementation for the third time in Côte d'Ivoire reflects the continuity of his country's commitment and the quality of cooperation between the two states.
Solange Fatima Mabri, representing the Association of Ministers' Spouses, praised the initiative, which will enable 800 people to benefit from free cataract surgery. She believes this intervention offers a new chance for recipients, allowing them to regain autonomy and enjoy a better quality of life. The campaign involves various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, Treichville University Hospital, and medical teams from the Al-Basar Foundation.
This campaign builds on previous medical missions conducted in 2022 and 2024 with the Al-Basar Foundation. Minister Dimba emphasized that restoring vision to over 800 people will not only improve their lives but also restore their dignity and participation in family and social life. The campaign demonstrates the strong partnership between Côte d'Ivoire and Saudi Arabia in the healthcare sector.
The free cataract surgery campaign is a significant example of international cooperation in healthcare, with multiple stakeholders coming together to support eye care for vulnerable populations in Côte d'Ivoire. Key partners include the Ivoirian Ministry of Health, Treichville University Hospital, and the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Action.
Key points
- Over 800 people will benefit from free cataract surgery.
- The campaign is a collaboration between Côte d'Ivoire and Saudi Arabia.
- The initiative aims to improve access to eye care for vulnerable populations.
