Media OutReach
Noor Dubai Foundation and Choithrams Mark Completion of First Cataract Surgery Outreach Cycle in Sierra Leone
Over the next three years, an estimated 60,000 screenings and 6,000 cataract surgeries will be performed, offering thousands the chance to regain their sight—and with it, renewed opportunities for work and a better quality of life
- Advancing Sustainable Outcomes, the multi-year project will Strengthen Ophthalmic Capacity in Sierra Leone through Ministry of Health Collaboration
- Over 1,500 cataract surgeries have been carried out in the initiative’s first year—delivering vital eye care to some of Sierra Leone’s most underserved communities, helping restore vision and dignity where it’s needed most
DUBAI , UAE – EQS Newswire – 9 October 2025 – In a concerted push to reduce avoidable blindness, Choithram International Foundation (www.Choithrams.com) and Noor Dubai Foundation (a member of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives), working in coordination with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health (MOH), has embarked on a sweeping three-year cataract outreach programme. Teaming up with Choithram Memorial Hospital (CMH) in Freetown and boosted by proven expertise of India’s Choithram Netralaya (Eye Hospital), the programme sets its sights on reducing the prevalence of avoidable blindness in the West African nation.
A 2021 Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) study revealed that 5.4% of Sierra Leoneans aged 50 and above suffer from blindness, affecting more than 43,000 individuals. The leading cause—untreated cataracts—accounts for nearly 60% of cases, yet less than a third of those affected receive effective surgical intervention. Further, deep gender-based disparities exist for both coverage and surgical outcomes.
Over the next three years, an estimated 60,000 screenings and 6,000 cataract surgeries will be performed, offering thousands the chance to regain their sight—and with it, renewed opportunities for work and a better quality of life. Beyond immediate relief, the programme takes a long-term view, with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health sending two ophthalmologists and four nurses each month to re-train under the specialists from Choithram Netralaya. The effort underscores not only the urgency of addressing avoidable blindness but also the need to cultivate local expertise that will sustain eye care in the years to come
Dr. Manal Taryam, CEO, Noor Dubai Foundation, said, “Ensuring access to quality eye care is not just about restoring sight—it’s about restoring dignity, independence, and opportunity. Through this initiative, we aim to empower communities by eliminating avoidable blindness and strengthening local ophthalmic capacity for long-term impact. This milestone project is yet another showcase of the strength of UAE’s private-public partnerships towards bringing relief to communities in need, no matter where they are. I thank all our stakeholders, specially Choithram International Foundation for their outstanding contribution.”
Recognizing the need for urgent action, each year, a six-month surgical outreach camp will be held between January and June—avoiding the rainy season—to ensure the highest quality of care and optimal patient participation. Screenings will be conducted at multiple levels. The first round will take place at district-level government hospitals, followed by online assessments conducted by CMH experts. A final screening will be held one day before the scheduled operation in Freetown.
Mr. L.T. Pagarani, Chairman of Choithrams Group, praised the UAE leadership for fostering a spirit of outreach and humanitarian support. “Their vision inspires us, and through this guiding initiative—the Lighthouse Project—we aim to bring that vision to life by combining the strength of public-private partnerships to generate outstanding humanitarian outcomes,” he said. “It’s yet another opportunity to deliver Goodness—the way we do every day at Choithrams.” Acknowledging the critical role of collaborators Noor Dubai and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health, Pagarani emphasized the long-term commitment to ensuring sustainable social and economic impact for the people of Sierra Leone.
With a track record of more than 200,000 no-cost cataract surgeries, Choithram Netralaya of India brings deep expertise to the initiative that is designed with patients at its core. Logistics have been carefully mapped out: Choithram Memorial Hospital will coordinate transport to and from the facility, eliminating cost and distance as barriers. To ensure accessibility, patients will receive a per diem covering meals, lodging, and transport during their three-day stay in Freetown for surgery. Upon discharge, medication will be provided free of charge, smoothing the path to recovery. Crucially, post-operative care will be available at district hospitals, allowing patients to receive ongoing support without having to travel far from home.
To ensure that the programme delivers lasting impact, researchers Dr Gabriel Osei-Anokye and Dr Ving Fai Chan from Queen’s University Belfast (QUB)—a globally recognised institution known for its excellence in medical and public health research in collaboration with the research team of Noor Dubai Foundation is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the programme. The evaluation will assess the effectiveness of the cataract surgery outreach programme in improving vision, enhancing quality of patient care, and delivering the broader psycho socioeconomic benefits to those who need the services most but currently lack access. Drawing on their expertise in global health and eyecare, the evaluation team generate data-driven insights to improve future outreach efforts and enhance the sustainability of cataract treatment programmes in Sierra Leone and globally.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Choithram International Foundation.
Download Infographic: https://apo-opa.co/48nrcmm
Download Images:
https://apo-opa.co/46UPYHW (Noor Dubai Foundation and Choithrams Mark Completion of First Cataract Surgery Outreach Cycle in Sierra Leone)
https://apo-opa.co/4h0xjiJ (Noor Dubai Foundation and Choithrams Mark Completion of First Cataract Surgery Outreach Cycle in Sierra Leone)
https://apo-opa.co/47gaSme (Over 1,500 cataract surgeries have been carried out in the initiative’s first year—delivering vital eye care)
Download Audio: https://apo-opa.co/3Wtweq1
Download Video: https://apo-opa.co/3IPB9hY
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Noor Dubai Foundation, Dubai, UAE
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai launched the “Noor Dubai Initiative” on September 3, 2008. Noor Dubai started as an international charitable initiative for the prevention and treatment of blindness and impaired vision.
Noor Dubai was launched with the vision of a world free from avoidable causes of blindness. therapeutic, preventative and educational programmes to treat and prevent blindness and visual impairment in developing countries on a regional and international scale.
Following the success achieved of reaching out to over 5.8 million individuals worldwide in its first year, a decree was passed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, launching the Noor Dubai Foundation as a non-governmental, non-for-profit organization, aiming to eliminate all forms of preventable blindness globally.
About Queen’s University Belfast, UK
Queen’s University Belfast is a prestigious research-intensive institution and a member of the Russell Group, which represents the UK’s leading universities committed to excellence in research and education. Founded in 1845 as Queen’s College Belfast, the university became independent in 1908 and has since established itself as a global leader in innovation and academic excellence.
About Choithram Netralaya – Indore, India
Choithram Netralaya- CN (Eye Hospital) is a NABH-accredited eye care hospital that has been in operation for more than 25 years. Since its inception, CN has transformed thousands of lives with the gift of sight. The eye hospital facility outside the central Indian city of Indore can accommodate more than 250 patients across 8 general wards with a provision of 12 fully-equipped operating theatres – a team of 13 specialists perform cataract surgery all day and all night. More than 20,000 patients from the rural areas visit CN every year to avail of free cataract surgery, the hospital conducts more than 78% of all cataract surgeries across central India (14 districts, total population of ~20million)
Choithram Netralaya is a one-stop solution for all eye problems, and provides comprehensive eye care services covering Cataracts, glaucoma, Orbit & Oculoplasty, Cornea & Retina, Paediatric Ophthalmology, Community Ophthalmology, Ocular Oncology, Corneal Transplant, Squint, Ocular Trauma, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Uveitis, Low vision aids & visual rehabilitation, Ocular Prosthesis, and Ophthalmic Anaesthesia, among other services.
About Choithram Memorial Hospital, Freetown, Sierra Leone
Choithram Memorial Hospital (CMH) is a leading multispecialty healthcare provider in Freetown, Sierra Leone, committed to delivering high-quality, accessible medical care. Established in 1993, CMH has grown into one of the country’s most trusted hospitals, offering a wide range of services, including cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, and emergency care. Situated on a five-acre campus, the hospital is equipped with modern facilities and a dedicated team of medical professionals. CMH plays a vital role in Sierra Leone’s healthcare ecosystem, providing comprehensive treatment while ensuring affordability and accessibility for all patients
Media OutReach
No Judgement, No Awkwardness: More Hongkongers Are Opening Up to AI for Mental Health Support
A newly completed Hong Kong study suggests there may finally be a way to bridge that gap. The AIM Greater China Psychology Research Group has completed a Hong Kong-based study conducted in the 2025–2026 academic year, comparing the effectiveness of human hypnotherapists against AI in delivering hypnotic experience-based stress relief experiences. The findings were striking: a significant proportion of participants felt that both approaches yielded virtually equivalent levels of relaxation — and more than 60% reported preferring their AI session after the fact.
Over 400 Applicants: A Reflection of a Generation in Need of Being Heard
The research team recruited participants experiencing family-related stress via Facebook. Within a short period of the post going live, over 400 individuals voluntarily applied — a figure that speaks not only to the pervasiveness of stress in modern life, but also to a growing willingness among the public to prioritise their own emotional wellbeing and actively seek self-care solutions.
From the applicant pool, 48 participants were randomly selected to take part. Each participant underwent two separate hypnotic experience stress relief audio sessions, each lasting approximately one hour — one recorded by a human hypnotherapist, and one fully generated by AI, including both the script and voice. Participants then compared their personal experiences of both sessions.
What Humans Can Do, AI Can Do Too
In the most critical area of comparison — stress relief effectiveness — the largest single group of participants (41.7%) rated the AI and human sessions as equally effective. On a scoring basis, the AI hypnotic experience averaged approximately 2.92 points, compared to 2.58 points for the human session — with AI coming out marginally ahead.
The study further found that nearly 90% of participants indicated they would enjoy a session if it genuinely helped them feel relaxed. In other words, what people truly care about is whether it works — not whether the voice behind it belongs to a human or a machine. On this front, AI has passed the test.
Over 60% More Willing to Share Their Feelings with AI
The results around personal preference were perhaps the most eye-opening. When asked which session they enjoyed more, 62.5% of participants chose the AI experience — and among women, that number climbed even higher, to 68.4%.
So what made AI the preferred choice? Researchers believe it comes down to one simple thing: feeling safe. With AI, there is no worry about being judged. No fear of saying the wrong thing. No awkwardness. About 1 in 4 participants said they actually found it easier to talk openly with AI — because it communicates in a way that feels clear, calm, and natural, much like everyday conversation.
The truth is, some things are just easier to say when no one is watching. That is not a flaw in human nature — it is simply how many of us work.
When it came to privacy, the findings were equally reassuring. More than half of all participants said they had no concerns about AI handling their personal information. Only a very small number — just 2.08% — said they felt uncomfortable. This points to a growing sense of trust in AI tools among the general public.
AI Reads the Data; Therapists Read the Person
Beyond the hypnotic experience itself, the local research team also evaluated AI’s capability as an analytical tool — with equally impressive results.
AI was able to rapidly process large volumes of participant responses, objectively assess individual stress levels, and identify underlying patterns. For instance, AI identified that 35% of participants independently expressed a desire for “personal space” or “better soundproofing” in their homes. On the surface, these may seem like trivial lifestyle concerns — yet AI connected this pattern to the reality of Hong Kong residents living in constrained spaces, highlighting a deeper psychological sense of having “nowhere to breathe”. This level of insight would be difficult to uncover through manual review of dozens of questionnaires alone.
AI also observed that many participants habitually occupied the role of “problem-solver” or “mediator” within their households, suppressing their own emotional needs in the process. Researchers noted that this reflects a widely recognised social phenomenon — the pressures faced by eldest daughters and the so-called “sandwich generation,” caught between the responsibilities of caring for ageing parents and raising children. AI’s ability to rapidly identify these hidden emotional burdens allows therapists to bypass lengthy preliminary assessments and focus more swiftly on the core issues that require their attention.
AI Is Here to Help, Not to Take Over
The local research team emphasises that the study was never intended to position AI as a replacement for human therapists. Rather, the aim is to explore how the two can work in tandem. Much like how blood test reports assist physicians in diagnosis, AI can play an analogous supporting role in the mental health field — organising data, identifying patterns, and lowering barriers to seeking help, so that mental health professionals can direct their energy towards the moments that truly require a human touch.
Those who proactively seek psychological support remain a minority, often deterred by the fear of inconvenience, social stigma, or the awkwardness of speaking up. If AI can serve as the bridge that encourages more people to take that first step, that alone may be its most meaningful contribution to society.
Hashtag: #HypnosisInstitute
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hypnosis Institute
Hypnosis Institute is dedicated to helping people in Hong Kong lead healthier and more fulfilling lives through hypnotic experience. We offer accessible and practical hypnotic experience training programmes designed to integrate hypnotic techniques into everyday life, with a focus on stress management, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth.
Hypnosis Institute is Hong Kong’s only hypnotic experience professional development platform that simultaneously operates a research group, social innovation group, practical training group, crisis psychological support group, charitable initiatives, networking events, therapeutic services, and a comprehensive training pathway.
As the sole Hong Kong chapter of the Association for Integrative Medicine (AIM) in the United States, the sole overseas Hong Kong academy of UK educational institution Study House (Quality Licence Scheme), and the sole specialist hypnotic experience training school in Hong Kong under Cambridge International College in the United Kingdom, Hypnosis Institute provides internationally recognised qualifications that contribute to the advancement of the industry.
Founder Charles Leung is a trainer of trainers in the field of hypnotic experience, and has been specially appointed by the Association for Integrative Medicine as the Chief Instructor for Specialist hypnotic experience in Greater China. He has trained over 1,000 hypnotherapists and instructors, upholding the highest standards of professional development in the mental health field.
The Institute’s programmes integrate a comprehensive range of methodologies, including hypnotic experience combined with MBTI personality profiling, DISC behavioural analysis, mental health coaching, emotional education, and the HiddenMe Cards inner child tool — providing a holistic and personalised approach to hypnotic experience practice. Instructors specialise in paediatric hypnotic experience, Internal Family Systems (including inner child) hypnotic experience, stress and insomnia relief hypnotic experience, interpersonal relationship hypnotic experience, as well as hypnotic experience in reminiscence and palliative care.
Driven by the belief that everyone can harness the power of hypnotic experience to enhance their mental wellbeing, Hypnosis Institute is committed to sharing psychological knowledge and providing professional support in the areas of emotional management, life challenges, and the professional development of the hypnotic experience industry.
Follow us at hypnosisinstitute.com.hk, 
Facebook, 
Instagram and 
YouTube for the latest updates.
Held at deMori @ FCC Signature, the event featured a live platform demonstration, partner showcase, and networking sessions aimed at facilitating engagement between founders, advisors, and investors.
Introducing CapitalOS
CapitalOS, BizPal’s corporate finance platform, was presented through a live demonstration during the event. The system integrates operational, brand, and financial data into a structured framework designed to support investor readiness and due diligence.
According to BizPal, the platform is intended to help SMEs organise their business information into formats aligned with investor expectations, enabling clearer communication during fundraising discussions.
“SMEs should never walk into a funding conversation unsure of their numbers,” said Ms. Anya Tan, CEO of BizPal Malaysia.
MOUs Expand Distribution Network
The event also included the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between BizPal and two Malaysian partners, My Education Platform and VA Partners. Both organisations will serve as authorised distributors of BizPal’s education and advisory programmes across Malaysia.
The partnerships expand BizPal’s reach within the SME ecosystem by working with local organisations that support business development and capability building.
“Partnering with BizPal allows us to introduce structured, investor-ready methodologies to the SME community we serve,” said Mr. Jeff Lee, Director, My Education Platform.
A representative from VA Partners is expected to provide a statement following final endorsement.
Global Mentorship Exchange (GMX)
During the event, BizPal also presented the Global Mentorship Exchange (GMX), an ecosystem initiative designed to connect experienced business leaders with high-potential entrepreneurs.
The initiative provides a structured environment for mentorship supported by data-based evaluation and standardised assessment criteria aligned with investor expectations. GMX was first introduced during BizPal’s Data Fundraising Masterclass in December 2025 and was presented to a broader network of partners and investors at BizPal Day.
Next Steps
Following the event, BizPal plans to expand the adoption of CapitalOS and continue developing its partner network across Malaysia and the ASEAN region.
Hashtag: #NoDataNoTalk #DataFundraising #InvestorReady #CapitalReadiness #FinTech #BusinessValuation #ASEANSMEs #BizPalDay
https://www.bizpal.tech/
https://www.facebook.com/simplyfi.sg
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About BizPal
BizPal provides data-driven corporate finance solutions designed to help ASEAN SMEs become investor-ready. Its platform, CapitalOS, integrates operational, strategic, and financial data into a unified system that supports business evaluation and investor engagement.
Media OutReach
Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio And IHG Hotels & Resorts Partner To Bring Four International Hotel Brands To The Coastal Mega Urban Development
Under the agreement, IHG will develop four hotels with a total of more than 1,000 rooms at Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio, including InterContinental Saigon Can Gio with 400 rooms, Crowne Plaza Saigon Can Gio with 400 rooms, Holiday Inn Express Saigon Can Gio with 130 rooms, and Garner Saigon Can Gio with 130 rooms.
InterContinental Saigon Can Gio, a world-renowned luxury brand, will deliver premium hospitality experiences tailored to international travelers and domestic guests seeking high-end accommodation. Crowne Plaza Saigon Can Gio, one of the largest upscale hotel brands globally, will cater to frequent travelers with modern, flexible spaces designed to optimize productivity and foster connections.
Holiday Inn Express Saigon Can Gio and Garner Saigon Can Gio will expand the destination’s accommodation offering with efficient, high-quality stays focused on value, making the development more accessible to a broader range of guests. This also marks the official debut of both brands in the Vietnamese market.
According to the development timeline, Holiday Inn Express Saigon Can Gio and Garner Saigon Can Gio are expected to open in 2028, followed by InterContinental Saigon Can Gio and Crowne Plaza Saigon Can Gio in 2030.
In this partnership, Vinpearl, a member of Vingroup, will act as the project operator and lead the collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts, while coordinating with all stakeholders throughout the development and operational phases.
Together with Vinpearl’s world-class hospitality brand, the addition of four premium IHG hotels will help realize a 7,000-room accommodation ecosystem at Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio, meeting the growing demand for extended stays and diverse experiences year-round in Can Gio and Ho Chi Minh City.
Complementing the hospitality offering, a series of large-scale entertainment and resort facilities unique to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio will further elevate the destination. These include the 122-hectare VinWonders theme park featuring the world’s tallest artificial snow mountain and nearly 200 attractions, the 5,000-seat Blue Waves Theater, the 800-hectare Paradise Lagoon, the five-star international cruise port Landmark Harbour, and two 18-hole international-standard golf courses. Together, these developments aim to position Can Gio as a globally-recognized tourism and resort hub, targeting 40 million visitors annually and standing alongside leading destinations in Vietnam and worldwide.
Mr. Rajit Sukumaran, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, East Asia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “This agreement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between IHG and Vingroup. Bringing four of our standout brands to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio reflects the diversity of our portfolio, as well as our strong commitment to supporting Vietnam’s goal of becoming a leading global tourism destination. With brands spanning multiple segments, we believe this collaboration will help create an integrated hospitality ecosystem that meets the diverse needs of travelers at one of Vietnam’s most significant developments.”
Ms. Ngo Thi Huong, Chief Executive Officer of Vinpearl Joint Stock Company, said: “We selected IHG not only for its global brand portfolio but also for its proven operational expertise across international markets. Introducing InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express, and Garner to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio is a key step in completing our service structure and establishing international operating standards for the mega project’s hotel system. With this partnership as a foundation, we believe Vinhomes Green Paradise will progressively emerge as a world-class destination, where a fully integrated ecosystem continues to enhance its appeal to residents and both domestic and international visitors.”
Vinhomes Green Paradise is located in the southeastern part of Ho Chi Minh City. Construction began on April 19, 2025, with a total area of 2,870 hectares. The development features three sides facing the sea and is adjacent to the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized site. The project is being developed to leading ESG++ standards, integrating green, smart, ecological, and regenerative principles.
The development benefits from a well-connected transport infrastructure network, including the Ben Thanh – Can Gio high-speed railway, which will reduce travel time from central Ho Chi Minh City to just 13 minutes, the Can Gio Bridge, the interchange connecting Rung Sac Road with the Ben Luc – Long Thanh Expressway, and the Can Gio – Vung Tau sea-crossing route, enabling travel between two major tourism hubs in just 10 minutes.
With a diverse range of accommodation options, internationally-standardized hotel systems, and a wide array of cultural, artistic, sports, and entertainment facilities aligned with green, smart, and community-friendly principles, Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio stands out as a rare mega urban development that both sets new benchmarks for ESG living and delivers a world-class tourism and resort experience.
Hashtag: #Vinhomes
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About IHG Hotels & Resorts:
IHG Hotels & Resorts is a global hospitality company with a portfolio of 21 brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programs with over 160 million members. IHG currently franchises, leases, manages, or owns more than 6,900 hotels across over 100 countries, with more than 2,300 hotels in its development pipeline.
IHG’s brand portfolio spans Luxury & Lifestyle, Premium, Essentials, and Suites segments, including well-known brands such as Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express, Garner, Staybridge Suites, and Candlewood Suites.
About Vinhomes
Vinhomes is Vietnam’s leading real estate developer, pioneering the development of large-scale, well-planned urban areas with integrated amenities, green living environments, and modern lifestyles. In addition to 36 urban developments currently in operation nationwide, Vinhomes continues to focus on building next-generation mega and super urban developments of regional scale and significance, aspiring to create some of the most livable cities in the world while significantly transforming Vietnam’s urban landscape.
For more information, please visit https://vinhomes.vn/vi
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism10 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking8 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn