advertisement

Topcon

Abstract #27368 Published in IGR 12-4

Creating synergies for health systems strengthening through partnerships in Pakistan - a case study of the national eye health programme

Khan AA; Khan NU; Bile KM; Awan H
Eastern Mediterranean health journal 2010; 16: S61-68


Blindness and visual impairment are major causes of noncommunicable diseases in Pakistan. Two national population-based blindness surveys conducted in 1988 and 2002-04 demonstrated a reduction in prevalence of blindness from 1.78% to 0.9% with a significant drop in cataract blindness as a result of accelerated nationwide interventions and eye care integration in primary health care. In addition, between 2006 and 2008, 88 facilities were upgraded as a result of the national eye health programme. These measures resulted in a 279% increase in eye outpatient attendances and a 375% increase in eye surgeries performed. Investment in human resources development and policy change contributed significantly to the sustainability of the programme. Key challenges facing the programme include aligning national eye health strategies with health system strengthening informed through health systems research. This paper attempts to document this extraordinary success. LA: French

H. Awan. Sightsavers International, Islamabad, Pakistan. haroon@sightsavers.org.pk


Classification:

1.1 Epidemiology (Part of: 1 General aspects)
1.5 Glaucomas as cause of blindness (Part of: 1 General aspects)



Issue 12-4

Change Issue


advertisement

WGA Rescources