CERA extends WHO partnership

CERA has had its designation as a WHO Collaborating Centre extended until 2022, bringing the partnership between the two organisations up to the 30 year mark.“Being a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre is strong recognition not only of CERA’s research but also our role in supporting the translation of research outcomes in the field to low and middle income countries where more services are needed,’’ Professor Keith Martin, CERA managing director, said.“We are extrely proud to be able to support the World Health Organization in its critical work to reduce the global burden of blindness.”For the coming three-year period, CERA will be focussed on supporting the development of tools designed to guide countries through the process of integrating eye health services into healthcare systs.WHO Collaborating Centres are universities and other research institutes designated to carry out activities in support of WHO programs. Globally there are more than 800 WHO Collaborating Centres in over 80 mber states.The announcent continues a long relationship between the two; CERA was first designated WHO Collaboration Centre status in 1992. Previous work resulted in the development of action plans, guidelines for cataract services and technology sharing initiatives.Director Professor Mingguang He and Deputy Director Andreas Mueller lead CERA’s WHO Collaborating Centre.