Humanitarian Response Work Group

Leading on key activities which support human resource development.

Deepening conflict, widespread hunger and major climate disasters has led to more than 1% of the world’s population being forcibly displaced (103 Million), with four out of five residing in developing countries. This is more than double the amount of people 10 years ago. With conflicts and disasters showing no signs of abating and protracted displacement growing, it is critical the global eye health sector address the challenges of accommodating the demands for eye health services for displaced and shock-affected populations in volatile and low-resourced environments.

The IAPB Humanitarian Response Group aims to provide leadership, technical guidance, and advocacy for increased policy adoption and action on integrating eye health into broader healthcare services in emergent crises and chronic humanitarian settings. The group will see to increase access to quality eye health services for displaced and shock-affected populations and strengthen strained and disrupted health systems in low-resource and volatile environments, and promote sustainable eye health solutions within these healthcare settings.

Join us in shaping the future of Humanitarian and Emergency Response! Our group is committed to advancing humanitarian and emergency response in eye health, and we need your expertise to make an impact.

Membership of the Humanitarian Response Interest Group is open to all IAPB members engaged in relevant work. Based on humanitarian principles of engagement, the group will prioritize the inclusion of local voices and will open relevant discussions to guest advisors.

Co-Chair: Raúl Alberto de Sousa, Advancing Eye Health Initiative

Co-Chair: Mattan Arazi, Sheba Global Ophthalmology

Coordinator: Brooke Blanchard, IAPB