400 Cataract Removal Surgeries in Al Haouz Supported by Marrakech Festival
A medical campaign aimed at combating blindness is taking place at the regional hospital in Tahanout (Al Haouz region) from December 1 to 5, targeting over 400 cataract surgeries. This initiative is organized by the Marrakech International Film Festival Foundation.
The humanitarian effort, held annually in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the Hassan II Foundation for Ophthalmology, is part of the social programs accompanying the film festival. It involves the organization of screenings and cataract surgeries for patients from various municipalities within Al Haouz.
In a statement to the Moroccan News Agency, Nadia Hanissali, the project manager at the Marrakech International Film Festival Foundation, explained that the campaign consists of two main phases. The first phase included medical examinations for around 3,000 beneficiaries, while the current phase involves performing cataract surgeries for more than 400 patients, along with distributing 400 food packages to underprivileged families in the region.
She emphasized that this initiative aims to bring medical and healthcare services closer to the population and reduce the impacts of health deprivation in affected areas. She noted that the foundation, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, has been organizing two to three campaigns annually for vulnerable groups.
This year, the 29th edition of the campaign features medical and nursing teams providing free medical consultations, distributing eyeglasses, and raising awareness about the importance of prevention and early detection of eye diseases. There is also extensive logistical and technical support to ensure optimal care for the beneficiaries.
Professor Younes Aqnoor, an ophthalmology specialist, pointed out that the medical teams from the Hassan II Foundation for Ophthalmology performed dozens of surgeries on the first day, which included cataract removal and surgeries for children, in addition to managing post-earthquake complications.
He explained to the press that the procedures are carried out under high professional medical conditions, adding that the next phase would involve the medical teams visiting the communities where the beneficiaries come from to check on their conditions and ensure the success of the surgeries.
Abdel Latif Zghadi, director of the regional hospital in Al Haouz, highlighted that this year’s campaign is particularly significant because it directly targets the most affected areas. He noted that the well-organized collaboration among various partners, including local authorities, civil protection, and labor services, facilitated the smooth progress of the operation.
The campaign saw participation from several Moroccan and international cinema stars, who visited the hospital to observe the campaign’s progress and the conditions in which beneficiaries are received. They also held meetings with patients and medical staff involved in the operations, showing their support for this humanitarian initiative that accompanies the Marrakech International Film Festival each year.
Beneficiaries of the medical campaign expressed their gratitude toward the organizing bodies and participating medical teams, stating that this initiative represents a “window of hope” allowing them to regain their sight and overcome prolonged struggles that have led to professional and social difficulties.
