Bangladesh, Guyana and Nigeria announced as co-hosts for the first ever Global Summit for Eye Health

New York 10 July, 2026: Bangladesh, Guyana and Nigeria will officially serve as co-hosts for the first ever Global Summit for Eye Health, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) announced today at the United Nations.

Antigua and Barbuda will host the world’s first Global Summit for Eye Health on 2 November. The inclusion of Nigeria, Bangladesh and Guyana as co-hosts injects powerful political momentum, broadens regional representation, and recognises these nations’ international and domestic leadership on eye health.

Taking place at the same time as the biannual Commonwealth Head of Government meeting, the first of its kind Global Summit for Eye Health will unite governments, partners and global leaders to ensure everyone, everywhere can access the eye care they need.

Global leaders attending the Summit are expected to unveil concrete commitments to strengthen eye health services, aligning global action and accelerating progress toward providing universal eye health services for all.

The Global Summit for Eye Health is being held in technical collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), with support provided by the IAPB.

Honourable Minister of Heath Michael Joseph, Antigua and Barbuda, said: “We look forward to working closely with our new co-hosts as we make history by delivering the world’s first Global Summit for Eye Health. Together, we are looking to turn ambition into action for over one billion people experiencing avoidable or treatable sight loss.”

 Honourable State Minister for Health, Dr M A Muhit MP, Bangladesh, said: “The Global Summit for Eye Health is designed to accelerate progress worldwide and it is a privilege to play a central role delivering global change as co-hosts for this important event.”

 Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, Co-operative Republic of Guyana, said: “We are proud to stand alongside our new co‑hosts as we deliver the first Global Summit for Eye Health. Together with all our partners, we can turn global momentum that has built over recent years into meaningful action for millions of people living with avoidable sight loss.”

 Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Federal Government of Nigeria, said: “We welcome the opportunity work more closely with our partners as co-hosts of the Global Summit for Eye Health.  Momentum is building and we look forward to playing our part making change happen at speed and scale.”

 Jessica Thompson, Deputy CEO, IAPB, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Bangladesh, Guyana and Nigeria as co‑hosts of the first ever Global Summit for Eye Health. Every $1 invested in eye health can yield up to a $28 return. This is one of the best healthcare investments possible and I urge governments and leaders to seize the opportunity and submit bold, measurable commitments ahead of the Summit in November.”