The United Nations adopts initial resolution focusing on eye healthcare services
The United Nations General Assembly recently approved a landmark resolution named "Vision for All," marking the first time a resolution focused on vision care has been introduced at the United Nations. The resolution, co-authored by Bangladesh, Antigua, and Ireland, and supported by over 100 countries, aims to address the growing impact of vision loss, particularly in developing countries.
The resolution emphasises the economic and social development impact of vision loss, including its impact on low- and middle-income countries, where over 90% of the 1.1 billion people with vision impairments reside. The resolution does not specify any deadlines for the implementation of measures, but it addresses the growing concern over the impact of vision loss.
Speaking at the General Assembly, Bangladesh's UN Ambassador Rabab Fatima highlighted that 55% of the global blind population are women and girls. The resolution urges all 193 member countries to ensure access to ophthalmological care for their populations, with a national approach.
Key measures outlined in the resolution include the integration of eye health in primary health care to ensure early detection and treatment, promoting access to affordable eye care services, strengthening data collection and research on vision impairment, raising awareness about preventable causes of vision loss, and encouraging international cooperation and resource mobilization to support countries with high burdens of vision impairment.
The resolution also encourages countries to allocate targeted funding from international financial institutions to address vision loss. However, the document does not provide details on the funding mechanism.
The "Vision for All" resolution is a significant step towards addressing the growing impact of vision loss on economic and social development. For precise and up-to-date details about the resolution, including specific actions and commitments by the UN and member countries, consulting official UN documents, the World Health Organization, or the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness would be necessary.
This resolution, titled "Vision for All," advocates for integrating eye health in primary medical-conditions care to ensure early detection and treatment, thereby promoting health-and-wellness for all. The document also encourages countries to allocate targeted funding from international financial institutions to address vision-related medical-conditions, with a focus on developing countries where over 90% of the population suffering from vision impairments reside.
