2025, A Momentous Year for the Africa Region
As we close 2025, I am deeply encouraged by the remarkable momentum
our Africa region has built this year. Our collective achievements;
from strengthening data for decision-making, to advancing integrated
people-centred eye care, to expanding strategic partnerships, reflect
the commitment and resilience of our network.
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Throughout the year,
Africa has demonstrated leadership not only within the region, but
also on the global stage. Our strong presence at 2030 In Sight Live in
Kathmandu affirmed the depth of innovation and collaboration happening
across our countries. I am also proud of the political engagement
taking place in preparation for the Global Eye Health Summit. The
efforts in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Nigeria, and across the East,
Central and Southern Africa Health Community platform show what is
possible when we work together toward shared goals. |
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As we move into 2026, I look forward to consolidating these gains,
supporting our member organizations and national leaders to continue
driving impactful change. We appreciate your partnership, commitment,
and belief in a future where everyone has access to quality eye
care.
- Prof. Fatima Kyari IAPB Africa Regional Chair
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This year has been
marked by significant steps forward as we continue to build alignment,
strengthen partnerships, and drive progress across the Africa region.
I would like to acknowledge the tireless work of our members, eye
health coordinators, and partners who have helped position the region
for success as we prepare for the Global Eye Health Summit. Our
activities this year, from country engagements to advocacy, and
regional dialogues have demonstrated strong coordination and shared
commitment. |
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As we look toward 2026, we will continue supporting countries to
accelerate implementation of the 2030 In Sight strategy and amplify
Africa’s voice globally. Thank you for your continued engagement and
collaboration.
- Simon Day Head of Region, IAPB Africa
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Regional Highlights for 2025
A defining feature of 2025 has been Africa’s collective push toward
the Global Eye Health Summit, scheduled for November 2026 in Antigua
& Barbuda. Countries across the region have demonstrated
remarkable leadership in advancing political engagement and securing
commitments.
Zambia
- Stakeholders held a strategic meeting with Members of Parliament,
leading to engagement with the Minister of Health in support of
attendance and commitments toward the Global Eye Health Summit.
Nigeria
- Nigeria agreed to act as Summit Champion Country. Created a
virtual office for eye health at the behest of the President of
Nigeria. They Co-hosted the IAPB ‘Value of Vision’ Investment case
Launch during the 80th UN General Assembly.
Ghana
- IAPB team together with in country stakeholder engaged in mapping
of priorities and efforts are underway to pursue government
commitments and participation in the global summit.
Zimbabwe
- Zimbabwe committed to Summit goals and promoting the Summit within
the ECSA Region.
Kenya
- Through the National Eye Care Coordinator, Kenya’s Eye Health
Section was engaged to identify priorities for the summit, followed by
the submission of an official letter to the Office of the Cabinet
Secretary requesting the Country’s participation and commitment to the
Global Summit for Eye Health.
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Strengthening Regional Advocacy in ECSA
IAPB is deepening collaboration with the East, Central and Southern
Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) to elevate eye health within
regional health platforms. In August, we convened leaders in Addis
Ababa to align advocacy strategies and mobilise political commitment
ahead of the Global Summit for Eye Health.
Read more.
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Partnerships
& Regional Engagements |
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At the 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE in Kathmandu, Africa made a
powerful impact, with government leaders, eye health champions and
partners participating as panelists and Young Systems Leaders Award
winners showcasing the region’s achievements and commitments to
advancing eye health globally
Read more
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Africa took an important step forward in prioritising vision care
for older people through a regional meeting held in Cape Town, South
Africa. Organised by The Fred Hollows Foundation, IAPB and IFA, the
meeting highlighted key strategies and priorities to improve access
and outcomes for older adults across the region.
Read more
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Nigeria held the first ever national eye health summit which
brought together government, public-health actors, private sector,
academia and development partners to strengthen eye care systems
through strategic alliance
Learn more.
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IAPB convened Ophthalmologists from across Eastern, Central
and Southern Africa in Ethiopia to apply systems thinking to eye
health challenges and build a regional Community of Practice for
collaboration.
Learn more.
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World
Sight Day
Across Africa, stakeholders marked World Sight Day 2025 with
awareness, campaigning, community screenings and media advocacy,
reinforcing the importance of eye health and mobilizing support for
national and regional initiatives.
Read more
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2030 IN SIGHT LIVE Comes to Africa
We are excited to host 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE in our region
this year as the global eye health community gathers in Nairobi, 4–6
June 2026. This is a unique opportunity to showcase Africa’s
leadership, share regional progress, and shape the next phase of 2030
In Sight.
We look forward to seeing strong representation from across
Africa.
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Early Bird Tickets Now Live!
Early bird registration is officially live! Join leaders,
innovators and advocates in Nairobi as we Unite for Impact. Don’t miss
your chance to attend at a discounted rate.
Register today.
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Looking Ahead to 2026
As we move into 2026, Africa’s focus remains clear; strengthening
political commitments, expanding partnerships, and continuing to build
the evidence base required for sustainable change. With countries
increasingly aligning with the 2030 In Sight strategy, the region is
charting a pathway toward equitable, integrated, people-centred eye
care.
The remarkable achievements of 2025 reflect the dedication of
countless partners, national leaders, and advocates. Building on this
momentum, African countries are intensifying their engagement with the
upcoming Global Eye Health Summit, securing high level commitments and
driving policy advancements that will shape the future of eye health
across the continent.
We are especially excited to host the 5th edition of 2030 IN SIGHT
LIVE in Nairobi, a gathering that will welcome governments, partners
and eye health champions from across the region and globally. This
event will showcase Africa’s leadership, highlight policy progress and
reinforce the region’s collective push toward the Summit goals.
If you want to know how to be involved in the summit, please reach
out to The Head of Region, Simon Day at sday@iapb.org.
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