March 2026 marked a pivotal month for IAPB in Latin America. A dedicated regional team travelled through Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, and Bolivia, securing high-level government commitments, building momentum toward the Global Summit for Eye Health, and deepening connections with members and ministries alike. Here is a look at what was accomplished.

Brazil

High-Level Advocacy in Brasilia

On March 3, Drew Keys (IAPB Regional Advocacy Director) and Frank Hida (IAPB LATAM Sub-regional Co-Chair) held a series of strategic meetings in Brasilia. The central purpose was to introduce the upcoming Global Summit for Eye Health, scheduled for November 2, 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda. Key participants included Senator Dr. Hiran Manuel Gonçalves da Silva and representatives from the Secretariat of Specialized Care and the Secretariat of Indigenous Health within Brazil’s Ministry of Health.

SIMASP 2026 in São Paulo

On March 6, the full IAPB Latin America team, Dr. Valeria Sánchez Huerta (Regional Chair), Ryan Toews and Frank Hida (Co-Chairs), Cristina Sánchez (Regional Coordinator), Sabrina Von Wegerer, and Isabel Inojosa, attended SIMASP 2026, one of Brazil’s most prominent ophthalmology events. The team presented the 2030 In Sight strategy, the details of the World Summit, and the Eye Health Investment Case, forging a strategic link with the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology (CBO).

Key Outcomes from Brazil

• Senator Dr. Hiran Gonçalves accepted the role of Ambassador of the Global Summit for Eye Health for Brazil, committing to support government relations to secure Brazil’s participation.
• Multiple Ministry of Health secretariats were briefed on the Summit, and a strategic connection with the CBO was established to elevate eye health on the national political agenda.

Paraguay & the Andean Region

Meeting with Paraguay’s Minister of Health

On March 9, an IAPB delegation, Drew Keys, Dr. Valeria Sánchez Huerta, and Ryan Toews, was received by Paraguay’s Minister of Health, Dr. María Teresa Barán, alongside Dr. Sofía Maldonado (Director, National Eye Health Program) and Dr. Adriana Amarilla (Director of International Relations). The team formally delivered the country-specific Eye Health Investment Case document and discussed IAPB’s Regional Members’ Meeting. Minister Barán reaffirmed Paraguay’s status as a Champion Country for the Summit and pledged to arrange a Presidential audience during IAPB’s next visit in June.

Coordination with Peru’s National Institute of Ophthalmology

Also on March 9, Ryan Toews met with Dr. Félix Torres, Director of Peru’s National Institute of Ophthalmology (INO). The conversation underscored the importance of Peruvian participation in the November Summit, and Dr. Torres committed to facilitating direct engagement with the Peruvian Government.

LATAM Regional Members’ Meeting

On March 10, Paraguay hosted the In-Person Meeting of IAPB Latin America Members, with Fundación Visión as the host at its central clinic. The gathering aligned strategic priorities and strengthened regional coordination. Three core areas were addressed:

• Roadmap to the Summit: Tools and guidelines to facilitate government coordination were shared.
• Investment Case: An analysis of the economic and social benefits of strengthening eye health financing in the region.
• Commitments Workshop: Attendees drafted national commitment proposals to be presented at the Summit in Antigua and Barbuda.

Participating organizations included:

Asociación Para Evitar la Ceguera (APEC) – Mexico  ·  National Institute of Ophthalmology – Peru  ·  Clínica Oftalmológica de la Selva – Tarapoto, Peru  ·  Fundación Visión Bolivia  ·  Fundación Retina Paraguay – Good Vision  ·  CONAVIP Paraguay  ·  Clínica Foster – Argentina  ·  Representatives from the Ministry of Health and WHO

Bolivia

Meetings with Member Organizations

On March 11, in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Drew Keys, Ryan Toews, and Cristina Sánchez met with Fundación Visión Bolivia and Good Vision Bolivia. These conversations revisited outcomes from the Paraguay members’ meeting and provided a first-hand picture of ongoing work in Bolivia.

Audience with Bolivia’s Minister of Health

On March 12, in La Paz, the IAPB delegation, joined by Patricia Tárraga (Country Director) and Teresa Barrio (Project Coordinator) from Fundación Ojos del Mundo, met with Bolivia’s Minister of Health. The team extended a formal invitation for Bolivia to participate in the World Summit, framing eye health not only as a health right but as a driver of national economic development. A copy of the Eye Health Investment Case for Bolivia was delivered, and the Minister committed to informing the Presidency of the Republic of the Summit’s significance.

Looking Ahead

March’s engagements have laid important groundwork. With Champion Countries confirmed, senior government officials briefed, and a growing network of committed regional members, IAPB Latin America is building strong momentum toward the Global Summit for Eye Health in Antigua and Barbuda on November 2, 2026. The next milestone visit is planned for June, including a Presidential audience in Paraguay.