Standard Chartered’s Seeing is Believing programme decreases cataract related blindness in Pakistan by upto 36 percent

Standard Chartered’s Seeing is Believing programme decreases cataract related blindness in Pakistan by upto 36 percent

KARACHI: Standard Chartered Pakistan along with its implementation partner Sightsavers ,announced the successful completion of the Seeing is Believing Programme in Pakistan.

The Seeing is Believing 15 year journey in Pakistan is truly inspirational, impacting over 12 million beneficiaries. Through the various projects, the Seeing is Believing programme has helped eradicate upto 36per cent of avoidable blindness in Pakistan.  The Bank also employs 25 visually impaired employees who are a critical part of its workforce.

Seeing is Believing in Pakistan demonstrates the Bank’s commitment to work with partners in the public and private sector towards the New Sustainable Development Goals endorsed by world leaders at the United Nations in September 2015. By investing in projects that focus on comprehensive eye health, Seeing is Believing supports global goal number 3 – ensure healthy living and promote wellbeing for all at all ages.

Commenting on the Closing Ceremony, Rehan Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Pakistan said, “The Seeing is Believing journey is a testament to the important and relevant role the bank plays in Pakistan. Our internationally recognised and acclaimed programme raised USD104.2 million and impacted more than 219 million people across 38 countries. In Pakistan, as a result of our projects, the Bank is attributed with decreasing avoidable blindness across the country by 36 per cent. By virtue of the difference made by its efforts in eye health, the Bank became the only corporate member in 2008 to sit on the National Committee  of Eye Health (NCEH).”

Munazza Gillani, Country Director Sightsavers said, since 2004, Standard Chartered Bank and Sightsavers together under the “Seeing is Believing Programme” has contributed significantly for prevention and control of blindness in Pakistan by investing in health systems strengthening. This was achieved through enhancing access to quality cataract operations, human resource development,  District Comprehensive Eye Care, School Eye Health Screening projects, and to prevent and treat diabetes related blindness. We are truly grateful for the excellent support and partnership of Standarad chartered for facilitating Sightsavers and Ministry of Health achieving the lasting impact through the SIB programme.