Ministerial Meeting on Eye Health ECSA HC Health conference Kingdom of Eswatini

Ministers of Health from across the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) convened for a high-level breakfast meeting hosted by the Ministry of Health and Child Care of Zimbabwe and IAPB, signalling strong regional commitment to advancing eye health ahead of the Global Summit for Eye Health. 

The meeting brought together senior health leadership from across the region to discuss how eye health can be more effectively integrated into  national health systems, universal health coverage agendas, and regional development priorities. With avoidable sight loss and vision impairment affecting millions across the region, participants emphasised the urgency of collective action. 

Speaking at the event, the Honourable Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, Minister of Health and Child Care of Zimbabwe, highlighted – the scale of the challenge and opportunities for action.  

“Across the ECSA region, millions of our citizens live with avoidable blindness and visual impairment. – Majority of these conditions are preventable or treatable using proven, cost-effective interventions. Yet the consequences of inaction are severe: Reduced productivity and household income, Increased dependency and poverty, and Growing pressure on health and social care systems. This burden is unnecessary and it is reversible,”said Honourable Mombeshora.  

Discussions were grounded in the findings of The Value of Vision: The case for investing in eye health, which demonstrate that eye health delivers some of the highest returns on investment in public health. Proven interventions such as cataract surgery, refractive services and early detection of chronic eye conditions can restore sight, improve educational and employment outcomes, and prevent lifelong disability. 

The meeting provided a platform for Ministers to exchange experiences and explore regional cooperation under the ECSA-HC umbrella. Discussions focused on aligning national policies and standards, sharing innovations and best practices, and mobilising technical and financial support to accelerate progress. 

Participants also considered how national eye health plans could be strengthened in the lead-up to the Global Summit for Eye Health in 2026. By convening at ministerial level, the Government of Zimbabwe, the ECSA-HC Secretariat and IAPB signalled the seriousness with which the region intends to engage.  

Looking to the Global Summit for Eye Health 

Ministers reaffirmed the importance of the Global Summit for Eye Health as a pivotal moment to elevate the eye health agenda and secure political commitments at the highest levels. The Summit, convened by IAPB, is expected to convene world leaders, governments, civil society and technical partners to accelerate action and investment. 

In closing, Honourable Mombeshora underscored the importance of sustained political commitment and regional cooperation, saying: 

“Let us commit to embedding eye health within national health and development plans, allocating sustainable domestic financing for eye care, strengthening primary eye care within PHC systems, using data and evidence to guide investment, and speaking with one strong, regional voice…When we invest in vision, we invest in people. When we invest in people, we invest in development.” 

As a next step, the Government of Zimbabwe (as host), ECSA-HC and IAPB will work together to develop a summary communiqué capturing key reflections and commitments from the meeting. This document will guide ongoing collaboration and support sustained engagement of Ministries of Health across the region in the lead-up to the Summit.