Strengthening Eye Health in Burundi: Insights from the RAAB Survey

In a significant step towards understanding and addressing the country’s eye health needs, the Ministry of Health in Burundi, with support of its partner the Fred Hollows Foundation, conducted a national Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) – 12 years after the country’s first ever RAAB survey. The assessment sought to provide crucial data on the prevalence and causes of vision impairment and blindness, offering evidence-based insights to drive strategic health planning.  

In February of 2025, key stakeholders gathered in Bujumbura to review the RAAB findings and determine how best to integrate them into national eye health policies and planning. Among those in attendance were Dr Oscar Ntihabose, the Permanent Secretary for Health, as well as representatives from clinical associations, WHO Burundi, government ministries, and civil society organizations. Their engagement reflected a strong commitment to collaborative action in tackling avoidable blindness in Burundi. The findings revealed some important opportunities, including addressing the burden of cataract blindness and the intersection between gender and disability. 

By leveraging these insights, Burundi is well positioned to review and strengthen its National Strategic Plan for the Prevention of Blindness, ensuring that planning, policy decisions and resource allocation are aligned with the country’s specific eye health needs. 

‘Burundi is in a strong position to drive evidence-based strategies and collective commitment and ultimately make quality eye care more accessible for all Burundians.’ Fabrizio D’Esposito, Principal Investigator.