Eye Health targets adopted by World health ministers – Flame Health Blog

Eye Health targets adopted by World health ministers

World health ministers adopt new eye health targets. The targets aim to increase effective coverage of refractive error and cataract surgery by 2030.

World ministers of health have agreed to adopt two new eye health targets for 2030, addressing cataract and refractive error. The two leading causes of blindness and vision impairment.

All countries have committed to a 40% increase in effective coverage of refractive error by 2030.  As well as a 30% increase in effective coverage of cataract surgery by 2030.

The commitment was made at the 74^th World Health Assembly (27 May), the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Director of non-communicable diseases for the WHO, Dr Bente Mikkelsen, said of the targets: “It’s a fundamental priority that integrated people-centered eye care is part of Universal Health Coverage and health systems.”

Mikkelsen added that the WHO wants to “step up the country's impact,”. Particularly through the development of tools and resources to support countries. Enabling them to build capacity and strengthen eye care in their health systems.

Suggesting the targets were a starting point with the potential to drive further action, Alarcos Cieza, unit head for vision, disability and rehabilitation at the WHO, said: “We know very well that what gets measured gets done.”

The targets are set to build on WHO’s global strategy on vision. This is set out in its World report on vision and the World Health Assembly resolution on eye health.

Furthermore, you can read the full article on the Optometry Today website, by clicking here

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Eye Health targets adopted by World health ministers