Advancing Commitments for the Global Summit on Eye Health: Outcomes from Addis Ababa Workshop

On 19 August 2025, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) convened a landmark workshop at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa to prepare for the upcoming Global Summit for Eye Health (GSEH). The workshop brought together eye health leaders, government representatives, and partners from across Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa to align national advocacy strategies and build momentum towards high-level political commitments for eye health ahead of the 2026 Global Summit. 

Workshop Objectives 

– Sensitize participants on the significance of the Global Summit for Eye Health.

– Introduce the advocacy Framework for Success (Guide for Action, Toolkit, and Investment Case).

– Develop country-level strategies to secure government commitments for eye health.

– Strengthen collaboration among stakeholders in the region. 

Why This Matters 

Five years since the UN Resolution on Vision, the GSEH provides a critical opportunity to accelerate progress on universal eye health. Countries must leverage this moment to integrate eye health into health systems, secure sustainable financing, and ensure inclusive services. 

Regional Priorities Highlighted 

Participants agreed on common challenges and priorities for the ECSA region as: 

• Shortages in the eye health workforce and maldistribution. 

• Weak integration of eye health into broader health systems. 

• Gaps in data and monitoring mechanisms. 

• Resource limitations in infrastructure, consumables, and equipment. 

• Barriers to health financing and financial protection for patients. 

 Looking Ahead 

The Addis Ababa workshop was a vital step in building collective advocacy towards the 2026 Global Summit for Eye Health. With clear country strategies, strong regional alignment, and shared commitment, Africa is set to play a pivotal role in securing global political action to end avoidable blindness. The journey continues with World Sight Day 2025 as the next milestone, followed by the Africa Political Commitment Occasion in 2026, leading to the historic Global Summit later that year. Together, we are reframing vision as a development priority and ensuring no one is left behind.