The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Rwanda National Police and the Ministry of Health have launched a joint eye care outreach programme in Rulindo District aimed at treating eye diseases and performing cataract surgeries for vulnerable residents.
The campaign, launched on Sunday at Kinihira Hospital in Northern Province, is being implemented in partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation Rwanda as part of ongoing 2026 community health outreach initiatives by security institutions in collaboration with health partners.
The initiative focuses on addressing preventable blindness, with priority given to elderly people aged 50 and above who often face limited access to specialized ophthalmic services.
Health officials say the programme will provide screening, treatment, and surgical interventions, particularly for cataract-related conditions, one of the leading causes of avoidable blindness in Rwanda and globally.
The launch ceremony was attended by Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health Jean Marie Vianney Ndayizigiye, RDF Deputy Chief of Medical Services Brig. Gen. Dr. John Nkurikiye, Community Policing Director ACP Teddy Ruyenzi, and Tiva Kananura, alongside local authorities, beneficiaries and community members.
Officials said the outreach reflects continued collaboration between security institutions and health partners to expand access to essential health services and improve community wellbeing across the country.
