Antigua and Barbuda’s advocacy for equitable access to eye health and vision care is continuing to gain global recognition, with Senior Diplomat Mr. Claxton Duberry detailing the country’s work in this crucial area of public health at the 2030 In Sight Live Conference in Kenya.
Speaking at the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) meeting, held from June 4–6, Mr. Duberry addressed a distinguished audience of government officials, health leaders, development partners, private sector representatives and civil society stakeholders on Antigua and Barbuda’s progress in this crucial area of health care. He highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to ensuring that quality eye care services are accessible to all.
The session, “Positioning Eye Health as a National Priority: From Strategy to Systems,” explored how countries can translate global commitments into sustainable national action.
Mr. Duberry’s address was warmly received by delegates, who welcomed Antigua and Barbuda’s ongoing and practical efforts in transforming eye health from an international advocacy issue into a national development priority.
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, Mr. Duberry highlighted the visionary leadership of Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne and Ambassador Sir Walton Webson, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, whose collective efforts have positioned Antigua and Barbuda as a global champion for eye health and vision care.
Central to his presentation was the Prime Minister’s “Vision Project,” a transformative national initiative built upon three key pillars. The first of these pillars is Expanding Access to Eyeglasses, where a project is well underway to distribute thousands of near-vision glasses to citizens and residents.
The second pillar, Building Sustainable Eye Health Capacity, is an investment in training, workforce development, and strengthening local eye care systems.
Meantime the third pillar, a Blindness Free Zone Initiative, is a comprehensive and visionary community-based model. It is designed to eliminate preventable blindness and vision impairment through early detection, treatment, access to surgery, and integrated eye care services.
Mr. Duberry noted that this initiative has already secured approximately US$90,000 in specialized ophthalmic equipment, facilitated more than 25,000 hours of professional training opportunities for local healthcare personnel, and secured 25,000 near-vision eyeglasses to support nationwide outreach efforts.
