By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal
As the world marks World Sight Day 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called for renewed efforts to prevent avoidable blindness and vision impairment across Africa.
In a message commemorating the day, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Yakun Janabi, emphasised that good vision plays a vital role in improving quality of life, academic performance, employment prospects, and economic productivity.
He, however, warned that vision impairment remains a major public health concern, with cases expected to rise if targeted interventions are not scaled up.
“Despite remarkable progress in reducing vision loss from conditions such as vitamin A deficiency, onchocerciasis, and trachoma, Africa now faces new eye health challenges caused by ageing populations, poor lifestyles, and increasing noncommunicable diseases,” Dr Janabi said.
The WHO chief highlighted that preventable causes such as refractive errors and cataracts are on the rise, further straining already challenged health systems.
To tackle these issues, WHO and its partners have introduced several global initiatives, including Vision 2020: The Right to Sight, which sought to eliminate avoidable blindness, and the SPECS 2030 initiative, launched in 2024, which aims to ensure that everyone needing vision correction receives quality and affordable care by 2030.
According to WHO data, only 32 percent of African countries currently have national policies addressing vision loss and blindness. The effective coverage for cataract surgery stands at just 26 percent, while refractive error coverage is at 30 percent, leaving millions without access to essential eye care services.
Dr Janabi called on African governments to prioritise eye health by integrating it into national health systems, increasing investment, expanding the eye care workforce, and reducing the cost of services.
“Further action is needed to ensure equitable and sustainable eye care. Policymakers must raise awareness, reduce stigma, and empower individuals with sensory impairments,” he stated.
The WHO also urged countries to adopt WHO Eyes, a free smartphone application for vision assessment, and to use global observances like World Sight Day to promote regular eye examinations and early detection of vision problems.
This year’s observance serves as a reminder for everyone to pay closer attention to their eye health by adopting preventive habits and seeking timely medical care.
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