Eye tests equipments. Photo Pexel
Tanzania faces a pressing public health challenge, with many citizens lacking access to essential eye care services.
To address this need, the Kym Rapier Foundation has partnered with the Mo Dewji Foundation to deliver large-scale, community-based eye care initiatives across the country.
The collaboration will fund eye camps providing free cataract surgeries and essential eye care services.
One upcoming camp, supported by the Kym Rapier Foundation, is expected to serve more than 5,000 people over three days, offering thousands the chance to regain sight and improve their quality of life.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to practical, community-focused healthcare support,” said Kym Rapier, founder of the Kym Rapier Foundation.
“The Mo Dewji Foundation has organized multiple eye camps across Tanzania, working with experienced ophthalmologists to reach underserved areas. We’re proud to contribute to this initiative that delivers direct and meaningful impact.”
According to data from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, cataracts account for more than 65% of blindness in Tanzania, while severe visual impairment affects a significant portion of the population.
In regions like Dodoma, the prevalence of cataract-related blindness reaches 17.7%, exceeding the national average of 15%.
These figures underline the urgent need for targeted interventions to restore sight and improve quality of life.
Beyond providing medical care, the Kym Rapier Foundation will collaborate with a media team on the ground to offer training that empowers local communities to share their own stories.
This initiative aims to strengthen public awareness of the importance of eye health and other pressing community needs.
Mohammed Dewji, founder of the Mo Dewji Foundation, highlighted the broader impact of the program: “We are humbled and grateful that the Kym Rapier Foundation chose to partner with us in this work. Our eye camps are about more than restoring sight; they are about restoring dignity, opportunity, and hope.”
” The generous support of partners like the Kym Rapier Foundation allows us to reach more patients and take another step toward scaling this into a nationwide initiative. We approach this work with humility, knowing that what we do together transforms lives—for we believe he life of every person matters.”
According to reports from health surveys in Tanzania, the country continues to struggle with limited access to specialized eye care, particularly in rural areas where ophthalmologists are scarce.
The Mo Dewji Foundation has pioneered high-throughput eye camps that integrate services beyond cataract surgery, including gynecological care and maternal health screenings, ensuring comprehensive support for underserved communities.
By combining expert medical professionals, efficient service delivery, and community engagement, the partnership is establishing a scalable model that could expand nationwide.
According to eye health advocates, such community-based interventions can significantly reduce preventable blindness while restoring dignity and opportunity for thousands of Tanzanians.
The initiative exemplifies how targeted, effective philanthropy can meet communities where they are, addressing real and urgent needs with measurable outcomes.
By restoring sight and supporting broader health initiatives, the Kym Rapier Foundation and Mo Dewji Foundation are setting a precedent for impactful collaboration that transforms lives.
About the Kym Rapier Foundation
Based in San Antonio, Texas, the Kym Rapier Foundation supports healthcare, education, environmental, and humanitarian programs with an emphasis on direct service and measurable outcomes.
Founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Kym Rapier, whose dedication to service has shaped countless lives across the U.S., the foundation is now expanding its philanthropic vision globally, bringing the same commitment to compassion, efficiency, and impact to communities worldwide.
About the Mo Dewji Foundation
Founded by Tanzanian businessman and philanthropist Mohammed “Mo” Dewji, the Mo Dewji Foundation is one of Africa’s dynamic philanthropic institutions, working to improve lives through bold initiatives in education + livelihood, healthcare, and water + climate.
With a focus on innovation, scale, and collaboration, the Foundation is committed to tackling some of Tanzania’s most pressing challenges and delivering measurable impact to communities across the nation.
