Community Programs

Humanitarian Initiatives

All Our Programs

Beyond eye care — OPGFA’s humanitarian work spans blood donation, food distribution, and ambulance services across East Africa.

01

Free Blood Bank

Annual national day blood drives across East Africa

OPGFA runs a FREE BLOOD BANK every year on two Pakistan national days — with the motto: “To Save Lives By Donating Blood As National.” These events draw participation from the highest diplomatic and government levels across East Africa.

Blood donation camps have been attended by Pakistan’s High Commissioners in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania; Uganda’s Third Deputy Prime Minister; and Turkey’s Ambassador to Uganda — demonstrating the international humanitarian character of OPGFA.

02

Food Fi Sabillillah

Daily food distribution programme for the vulnerable

OPGFA operates a daily Food Fi Sabillillah (Food for the Sake of God) programme providing hot, ready-cooked meals to those in need across East Africa. This is one of the longest-running humanitarian initiatives of the Pakistani diaspora in Africa.

H.E. Saqlain Syedah, Pakistan’s High Commissioner in Kenya, has personally participated in food distribution activities, demonstrating the diplomatic and community significance of this programme.

03

Free Ambulance Services

15+ ambulances serving Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania

OPGFA has donated and operates 15+ ambulances across East Africa through formal handover ceremonies involving Pakistan’s High Commissioners and host-country governments. These vehicles serve patients who cannot afford emergency transport — saving lives every day.

Ambulances were donated to the Ugandan government (received by Gen. Kahinda Otafiire), to CORSU Rehabilitation Hospital in Uganda, to the Kenya High Commission (received by H.E. Saqlain Syedah), and to Tanzania (received by H.E. Muhammad Hassan Saleem) — all through formal government-to-government ceremonies.

04

Pakistan Free Dispensary

Free cataract surgeries in Pakistan too

OPGFA’s humanitarian model extends back to Pakistan too. The OPGFA Free Dispensary TM Khan conducts free cataract surgery camps in Pakistan, bringing the same commitment to free eye care to vulnerable communities in the home country.

Uganda’s Deputy Minister visited the Free Dispensary and Cataract Surgery Hospital in Pakistan in February 2022 — a remarkable testament to the bridge OPGFA builds between two nations. Dr. Syed Zohaib Hassan hosted dinner for Uganda’s Deputy Prime Minister during this visit, symbolising deep bilateral friendship.

Get Involved

How You Can Help

Medical Volunteers

Ophthalmologists, nurses, theatre technicians, and clinical officers can volunteer for eye camps across Uganda. Short-term and long-term placements available.

Donate

Every $50 funds a complete cataract surgery. Every $500 supports a full day's camp. Donate monthly or as a one-time gift to sustain our free services.

Corporate Partners

Partner your organisation with OPGFA. Corporate sponsorship helps fund eye camps, ambulances, and hospital equipment while aligning your brand with social impact.

Spread the Word

Share OPGFA's story with your network. Help us reach patients who need care, donors who can help, and professionals who can contribute their skills.

Government & NGO Partners

We work with government ministries, UN agencies, and NGOs to expand our reach. If you represent an institution, let's explore formal collaboration.

Students & Interns

Medical and public health students can join OPGFA for internships and rotations, gaining hands-on experience in community ophthalmology in Africa.

Donation

Your Support Saves Sight

Every contribution — big or small — directly funds free eye care for Uganda’s most vulnerable people.