Ras Morbat Eye Clinic has been awarded a United Thank Offering grant for the installation of solar power—critical to the clinic’s effort to increase the provision of vital health services to the poor and displaced in Aden, long-affected by war and political instability in Yemen.
“This generous grant of over $23k will ensure stable power supply to Ras Morbat,” said Bishop Sean, “helping the clinic deliver affordable, high-quality eye care to an ever-greater number of those in need, regardless of religion, background or ability to pay—poor families, internally displaced, the elderly and those affected by the ongoing conflict and economic crisis in Yemen.
“On behalf of the clinic staff and patients, and the wider Diocese, I share our heartfelt gratitude to UTO and its supporters, whose prayerful giving makes possible projects like this.”
Ras Morbat is a charitable ophthalmology clinic founded in 1996 within the compound of Christ Church, operating under the auspices of the Anglican Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf in cooperation with the Ministry of Health.
Ophthalmic services include eye examinations; diagnosis and treatment of common eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma and infections; low-cost provision of medications and prescription glasses; minor and major eye procedures and surgeries; post-operative follow-up; and long-term patient care.
The clinic’s long-serving director, Mansoor Yousuf, highlighted the critical energy-related challenges faced by the clinic, reporting to a recent meeting of Synod: “Power outages are severe—nine hours off, two hours on—and fuel for generators prohibitively expensive.”
Despite the challenges—and still more with the support of UTO—the clinic remains a beacon of interfaith cooperation.
“The resilience and determination of Aden’s people continue to serve as a sign of hope for a brighter future,” said Mansoor, who, having overseen the clinic for so long, is known locally as ‘Shahbib Kanesa’—the Church One. “With ongoing cooperation and international support, we believe Aden will rise above these hardships and thrive once again.”
The United Thank Offering began in 1883, organised by the women of The Episcopal Church in the United States to support innovative mission and ministry in Church and Anglican Communion.
UTO now includes members of all ages and genders, and welcomes people regardless of church affiliation—maintaining a focus on promoting gratitude and supporting innovative projects that address compelling needs around the globe.
Please visit United Thank Offering to support UTO giving.
