Marathon Beneficiaries
'Seeing is Believing', is a global initiative by Standard Chartered Bank aimed at eradicating avoidable blindness.
It was launched in 2003 when the Standard Chartered Bank was celebrating its 150th anniversary. The bank launched 'Seeing is Believing' in collaboration with leading eye care agencies. It has already raised more than USD 17 million, delivered one million sight restorations and is funding projects across the globe making a difference to the lives of over 10 million people through operations, medical equipment, education, training and increased awareness.
The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has sponsored over 1500 cataract operations at Kikuyu Eye Hospital, the largest eye hospital in the region between 2003 and 2006. In 2007, the bank expanded the Seeing is Believing initiatiave accross the country inorder to reach more Kenyans in need of Eye Care. In 2007, USD 601,600 was realised from the marathon and went to fund cataract operations in Kikuyu Eye Hospital, Sabatia Eye Hospital in Western Kenya and Kwale District Eye Centre at the Coast Province. The funds also went into Trachoma intervention projects in Ol -Malo in northern Laikipia and Siangan Vilage in Samburu District.
Did you know:
- There are 37 million blind people in the world
- Further 161 million people are visually impaired
- 75% of the worlds blindness is preventable or curable
- Every minute a child goes blind
- In Kenya, 230,000 people are blind
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