International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness

International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness

The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) is a global alliance of organizations working towards the prevention of blindness and the improvement of eye health worldwide. It was established in 1975 and has since grown to become the leading international organization in the field of eye health.

History

The IAPB was founded with the aim of coordinating efforts and resources to combat blindness on a global scale. It was established as a response to the growing recognition of the need for a coordinated approach to address the causes and consequences of blindness.

Over the years, the IAPB has played a crucial role in raising awareness about eye health issues, advocating for policy changes, and supporting the implementation of effective interventions. It has also facilitated collaboration between different stakeholders, including governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.

Objectives

The primary objective of the IAPB is to eliminate avoidable blindness and promote eye health for all. To achieve this, the organization focuses on the following key areas:

1. Advocacy: The IAPB advocates for the inclusion of eye health in national and international health agendas. It works towards the development and implementation of policies that prioritize eye health and ensure access to quality eye care services.

2. Capacity Building: The IAPB supports the development of human resources and infrastructure for eye care services. It provides training and technical assistance to eye care professionals, promotes research and innovation, and facilitates knowledge sharing among its members.

3. Collaboration: The IAPB fosters collaboration among its member organizations and other stakeholders. It facilitates the exchange of best practices, promotes joint initiatives, and encourages partnerships to maximize the impact of interventions.

4. Awareness and Education: The IAPB raises awareness about the importance of eye health and the prevention of blindness. It conducts campaigns, develops educational materials, and engages with communities to promote eye health practices and early detection of eye conditions.

Programs and Initiatives

The IAPB implements various programs and initiatives to achieve its objectives. Some of the notable ones include:

1. VISION 2020: The Right to Sight: This global initiative, launched by the IAPB in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to eliminate avoidable blindness by the year 2020. It focuses on strengthening eye care systems, promoting equity in access to eye care services, and advocating for the integration of eye health into primary healthcare.

2. Standard List of Medicines for Eye Care: The IAPB has developed a standardized list of essential medicines for eye care. This list serves as a guide for countries to ensure the availability and affordability of quality eye care medications.

3. Global Burden of Disease Study: The IAPB actively participates in the Global Burden of Disease Study, which provides comprehensive data on the prevalence and impact of eye conditions worldwide. This data helps in identifying priority areas for intervention and resource allocation.

Membership and Governance

The IAPB has a diverse membership base, including national and international non-governmental organizations, professional associations, eye care institutions, and corporate partners. It operates through a governance structure that includes a Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, and various working groups and committees.

See also

• Blindness
• Eye health
• World Health Organization

External links

• Official website of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness