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A recent trip for the Advocacy team to Geneva, alongside CEO Peter Holland, engaged key stakeholders at the WHO and various member state representatives. It was a timely visit, which aimed to lay the groundwork for our future advocacy efforts, shortly after the WHO Executive Board approved the resolution on Integrated Care for Sensory Impairments.
The atmosphere in Geneva was surprisingly optimistic, despite the backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty. Whilst recognizing the challenges these brought, stakeholders generally seemed confident that they could be overcome. They also highlighted the need to explore new avenues to advance health initiatives, including new actors stepping up to fill the gap left by others.
At the WHO, we received continued support for our initiatives and strong interest in a Global Summit, with IAPB set to work closely with the WHO in developing their refractive error policy products. The WHO also indicated the upcoming release of new data on Effective Refractive Error Coverage (eREC) and Effective Cataract Surgical Coverage (eCSC), crucial metrics for measuring sector progress. Discussions at member state permanent missions, including India, Guyana, Malaysia, and Paraguay, were also pivotal in garnering support for the proposed summit, with all also expressing enthusiasm for our upcoming World Health Assembly side event.
Image credit: correction with the pair glasses brought back the happiness of family. See how the family is cheering with his son’s improved vision./Ranjan Shah/NNJS
