RDF, RNP and Fred Hollows Foundation Launch Eye Care and Cataract Surgery Campaign in Northern Province

The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and Rwanda National Police (RNP), in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Fred Hollows Foundation Rwanda (FHF), today launched a provincial eye care and cataract surgery campaign at Kinihira Provincial Hospital in Rulindo District, Northern Province, under the ongoing Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme (DSCOP 2026).

The campaign aims to eliminate preventable blindness among vulnerable citizens, particularly elderly people aged 50 and above who have limited access to specialised ophthalmic healthcare services.

The launch ceremony was attended by the Governor of the Northern Province, Maurice Mugabowagahunde; the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Jean Marie Vianney Ndayizigiye; the Deputy Chief of Staff for Military Health Services, Brigadier General Dr John Nkurikiye; the Commander of Community Policing, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Teddy Ruyenzi; the Country Director of Fred Hollows Foundation Rwanda, Mrs Tiva Kananura; local leaders, beneficiaries, and residents.

The campaign commenced on 09 March 2026 with a nationwide screening exercise conducted under the 2026 RDF/RNP Citizen Outreach Programme. More than 90,000 citizens suffering from severe visual impairment will be screened nationwide, while between 6,000 and 6,500 beneficiaries are expected to receive free cataract surgery and specialised eye treatment. Priority is being given to citizens who are unable to access ophthalmic healthcare services and those experiencing severe vision loss.

Speaking at the event, Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde commended the defence and security institutions for their continued contribution to improving citizens’ welfare through community healthcare initiatives. He urged residents to protect the achievements made through such programmes, maintain community-based health insurance, and cooperate with medical specialists to ensure the success of the campaign.

Jean Marie Vianney Ndayizigiye, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, said the campaign reflects the Government’s commitment to improving healthcare services and promoting the wellbeing of vulnerable citizens.

Brigadier General Dr John Nkurikiye, Deputy Chief of Staff for Military Health Services, noted that providing free medical services to vulnerable citizens is part of strengthening human security. He revealed that cataracts account for 56 percent of blindness cases in Rwanda and called on communities and local leaders to work closely with health specialists in identifying patients in need of treatment.

One of the beneficiaries, Akarimutumye Cleophas from Rukozo Sector, testified that the outreach programme significantly restored his eyesight after he had suffered from a severe cataract condition. He thanked RDF and RNP for providing free medical services, saying the improvement in his health had enabled him to resume socio-economic activities and improve his livelihood.