Sightsavers, an international that works in more than 30 low- and middle-income countries to end avoidable blindness has called on global leaders to end the geographical inequity of eye health services.
The organization made the call on Thursday in a statement issued as part of celebration of World Sight Day, skates for tomorrow.
In the statement, Sightsavers noted that “everyone, including remote and rural communities, women and girls, people with disabilities, should have access to the services they need.
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” Yet the availability of eye health services and products like glasses varies across and within countries. They are often easily accessible in urban areas but less so in other places and for marginalized groups.
On his part, Dr Sunday Isiyaku, Country Director at Sightsavers in Nigeria, states that “Eye health should be equally available to everyone, no one should be disadvantaged because of where they live, their gender, health, or background. But currently it is inaccessible for some sectors of society and even a luxury for those in urban areas.”
“This needs to change. When we tackle these issues, children can learn, and adults can earn. Eye health equals a ripple effect on the lives of individuals, families, and communities, helping nations to thrive and reducing poverty and inequality.”
Dr Isyaku said Sightsavers is also supporting the Federal Ministry of Health to commemorate World Sight Day and launching the new national eye health strategy as well as a glaucoma toolkit.
The national eye health strategy is a roadmap to improve eye health services. This strategy is a guiding document to steer the direction of eye health for the next five years.
Dr Selben Penzin, Senior Program Manager – Eye health at Sightsavers, on her part, said: “We are already working with the government and other partners to improve eye health services and we commend their efforts.
But more needs to be done to ensure eye health is represented in health planning, resourcing, and funding. Including people with disabilities, women, and other marginalised groups, community outreach, and a geographically spread workforce, will help reduce disparity of access,” she said.
