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At CHOGM 2024 in Apia, Samoa, Commonwealth leaders highlighted the importance of strengthening health systems and addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as part of their broader commitment to building resilience and achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While the discussions focused on tackling systemic health challenges, advocacy efforts during CHOGM emphasised integrating eye care into these agendas, particularly in relation to NCDs such as diabetes and preventable conditions like trachoma.
The discussions at CHOGM underscored the value of translating these commitments into actionable outcomes. Advocacy efforts during Samoa’s World Sight Day celebrations and the #LoveYourEyesKids campaign spotlighted how integrated care can directly impact communities by bridging gaps between NCD care and eye health. This approach highlights the interconnectedness of systemic health challenges and the need for collaborative solutions.
During Samoa’s celebration of World Sight Day #LoveYourEyeKids campaign and pre-Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024, the importance of integrating eye care within and beyond health systems—particularly in connection with non-communicable diseases—was highlighted as essential for enhancing overall health and well-being.
Diabetes is one of the most impactful non-communicable diseases worldwide, affecting nearly every aspect of a person’s life. In eye health, diabetic retinopathy (DR) underscores the strong link between diabetes and eye health, as it remains a leading cause of vision loss among adults. Additionally, the rising prevalence of diabetes among children and adolescents, largely attributed to poor lifestyles and childhood obesity, is a growing concern. Early age diabetes extends exposures to lifelong health challenges, posting lasting burdens on people with diabetes, families, and health systems worldwide. Moreover, with many cases associated with family history, diabetes can create a cycle of health risks across generations, making it more difficult to break patterns of negative impacts.
Caroline Auva’a, National Eye Coordinator and Ophthalmology Department Nurse Manager, emphasized this need by stating “For a resilient Commonwealth, we call upon our political leaders to link non-communicable diseases and eye health.”
On November 14, we joined the global community in marking World Diabetes Day (WDD) – a key moment to spotlight diabetes as a significant public health problem and to advocate for actions to improve prevention, diagnosis, and management. Aligned with this year’s theme “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps: Uniting to Strengthen Diabetes Well-being”, we advocate for a holistic approach to diabetes care. By integrating eye care into diabetes management, we ensure that people – both adults and children – living with diabetes have access to comprehensive care that encompasses both their health and overall well-being, enabling them to achieve their full potential.
As we mark World Diabetes Day, let us remember that strengthening global efforts to bridge gaps between diabetes and eye care is vital for improving health and quality of life. Together, we are moving toward a future where diabetes and eye care services are accessible, inclusive and affordable to everyone, everywhere, whenever they are needed.
