Eye health is emerging as a central focus of cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean, driven by shared challenges and largely untapped potential for prevention. With over 4.8 million people living with blindness in Africa and 16.6 million suffering from visual impairments, a partnership is being strengthened. This partnership aims to make eye health a pillar of the Afro-Caribbean development corridor, focusing on access to care, prevention, and social inclusion.
At the heart of the AACIS26 summit, eye health emerged as a central theme of discussions between African and Caribbean partners. According to the World Health Organization (Regional Office for Africa), approximately 4.8 million people in the region are blind and 16.6 million are visually impaired. Largely preventable, these situations directly impact education, productivity, and economic development, justifying their priority integration into public policies.
“Globally and in Nigeria, millions suffer from repetitive blindness and visual impairment, which not only affects individuals, but also hinders economic growth and societal development. We must therefore prioritize eye health as an integral part of our broader health agenda. It is incontestable that investing in eye care can yield significant economic returns, due to increased opportunities for education, productivity, and reduced healthcare costs.”
Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare – Nigeria
The discussions highlighted common challenges faced by Africa and the Caribbean, including the high prevalence of preventable diseases and a shortage of specialist healthcare staff. Africa accounts for less than 1% of the world’s ophthalmologists, according to the World Health Organisation, limiting access to care. These structural constraints, combined with insufficient investment, call for enhanced cooperation and mechanisms for sharing expertise between the two regions.
“When we look at the partnerships we have with Africa and the Caribbean, and then we think about the learnings that we both have. And the similarities of our epidemiologic backgrounds and also challenges in eye health.”
Fatima Kyari, Registrar/Chief Executive Officer Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria – Nigeria
In this context, the Afro-Caribbean partnership emerges as a strategic lever for improving access to eye care. Investing in training, equipment, and eye health prevention programs becomes a vital imperative. Based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa, a coordinated approach aimed at reducing avoidable blindness and supporting inclusive economic and social development is essential.
