Significant progress has been made to elevate eye health as a development issue at the United Nations.
And the Fred Hollows Foundation, among others, has played an important role in advocating for that increased focus.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were introduced in 2015 by the United Nations. The 17 goals outline a global commitment to achieving sustainable development, improving health, boosting economic growth and tackling climate change by 2030.
Although eye health does not have a dedicated SDG, The Fred Hollows Foundation advocates that eye health uplifts broader health and development indicators, and it was active again at a recent high-level political forum on sustainable development in New York.
Sophie Plumridge, head of advocacy coordination and engagement at The Fred Hollows Foundation said: “Since 2018, The foundation’s position has recognised eye health as a cross-cutting issue across the SDGs, urging countries and the eye health sector to take meaningful actions toward the 2030 agenda.”
Research conducted by the foundation between 2019 and 2023 highlighted that eye health contributes to several key SDGs.
Resolution 75/310 on ‘Vision for Everyone: Accelerating Action Towards Achieving the SDGs’ was adopted by the 75th UN General Assembly, marking a pivotal moment for eye health within the UN framework.
The resolution encourages member countries to address eye health in their Voluntary National Review (VNR) reports. In 2024, seven countries, representing 20% of all reporting nations, included eye health in their VNRs. Lao PDR and Kenya included substantial language on eye health, while Azerbaijan, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Mauritius, and Mexico also included eye health in their reports.
Amanda Huang, Cluster Director for China, Cambodia and Lao PDR at The Fred Hollows Foundation said, “Engaging with the Lao PDR Government, SDG reporting mechanisms and the Ministry of Health was critical to including eye health information in the report. This was a great opportunity for the Lao PDR to show their commitment to eye health and report on progress.”
Looking ahead to 2025, as a review of SDG indicators approaches, The Fred Hollows Foundation says it remains committed to enhancing the visibility and impact of eye health in global sustainable development.
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