Strengthening Eye Health in ECSA: Integrating Primary Eye Care into Primary Health Care

In a significant stride towards enhancing eye health services in the East Central and Southern Africa (ECSA) region, IAPB Africa partnered with the East Central and Southern Africa College of Nursing (ECSACON) to integrate Primary Eye Care (PEC) into Primary Health Care. This initiative is aligned with the 2020 Resolution on Eye Health passed at the 69th ECSA HC Health Ministers Conference, which emphasizes equity and access to eye health services. 

The Resolution urges member states to implement integrated approaches for the prevention, control, and management of eye health conditions at all levels, with a focus on primary health care. It also calls for increased access to eye health services through the equitable distribution of human resources for eye health (HReH) and the inclusion of eye health agendas at national, regional, and international levels. 

To kickstart this initiative, IAPB and ECSACON held a Primary Eye Care Master Trainers Workshop in November 2023, training 27 Master Trainers from 12 countries. These trainers, predominantly nurses from ECSACON, will further train others in their respective countries, creating a cascade effect that will build PEC capacity throughout the region. 

This training initiative ensures that PEC capacity now exists in Botswana, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Organizations interested in leveraging these trainers to develop PEC capacity within their contexts can contact Simon Day, IAPB Africa Regional Programme Manager. 

As we continue to work closely with these Master Trainers, our goal is to significantly improve access to eye health services at all healthcare levels, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of better vision and eye health. 

Contact: For more information or collaboration opportunities, please reach out to Simon Day, IAPB Africa Regional Programme Manager at [email protected].