Without urgent commitment to improving eye health services in Africa and worldwide, 61 million people could be blind by 2050.

Unless eye health is recognised as a vital part of the bigger health and development picture, our efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage will fail.

About the conference

The conference brought together policymakers, advocates, health professions, civil society and government agencies at the African-led platform to spotlight African innovation and lessons learned in health, as well as strengthen global collaboration to create more resilient health systems.

It was the first time eye health has been highlighted at the event, and Sightsavers attended to talk about our eye health work in Africa and highlight the importance of prioritising eye health.

Sightsavers at the conference

We called for policy coherence for eye health through its integration into national health, education and employment policies, programmes and budgets. This will ensure more people have access to equitable, inclusive, high-quality and sustainable eye health services.

Visitors were invited to attend our booth and meet our colleagues Hortance Manjo (global technical lead, unaddressed refractive error) and Francis Kalusa (programme manager, Zambia) to find out how investing in eye health creates a ripple effect in society, improving education, economic and health outcomes.