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Kathmandu, Nepal – The World Health Organization (WHO), together with Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP), is launching the SPECS 2030 initiative in Nepal with the goal of improving the vision and quality of life for tens of thousands of Nepalese people. This happened at our 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE Nepal event.
Even though eyeglasses are a cost-effective solution, uncorrected refractive errors still have the largest role in causing vision problems in kids and adults. If not dealt with, these can impact significantly on people’s daily lives, school performance, and work output. In Nepal, surveys like RAAB, which stands for Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness, have shown an urgent need to include refractive error care in the country’s health system.
Millions struggle with avoidable vision problems because they can’t get eyeglasses. Nepal shares this issue. In 2021, WHO Member States agreed on the first global target for refractive error. They aim to achieve a 40-point rise in effective refractive error coverage (eREC) by 2030.
What does WHO SPECS 2030 mean?
The WHO SPECS 2030 Initiative pushes to act together through efforts focused on five main pillars:
The event welcomed key figures from WHO, the Ministry of Health and Population, Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology and other important stakeholders. The session included presentations, panel discussions and a ceremonial plaque handover between WHO and MOHP leadership.
“The SPECS 2030 initiative takes an important step to address untreated refractive errors, like short-sightedness and long-sightedness, which are major causes of vision problems among children and adults,” said Dr Stuart Keel from the WHO Vision and Eye Care Programme. “Around one billion people worldwide live with vision issues that could be fixed with something as simple as a pair of glasses.”
The implementation of SPECS 2030 in countries like Nepal is critical to bridge the gap between global eye care commitments and their implementation in countries. To support country action, WHO is also focusing on strengthening partnerships with nongovernment organisations and the private sector, as well as developing technical guidelines and standards. Together, these approaches aim to create integrated people-centred refractive error services.
Dr Krishna Prasad Paudel, Chief of the Policy Planning and Monitoring Division under the MoHP, shared: “Launching the SPECS 2030 initiative represents an important milestone for Nepal. This initiative is another step towards making eye health an essential part of our overall health efforts. It will expand access to vital eye care for everyone, focusing on those who need it the most.”
“Vision problems like refractive error go beyond just health issues and create challenges in social and economic areas. The WHO SPECS 2030 initiative gives countries a clear plan to tackle these problems. This effort aims to remove obstacles and make sure everyone can access basic eye care and glasses by focusing on sustainable and holistic solutions,” Dr Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav shared.
