Sightsavers and CBM call for child vision and hearing care investment across Africa

Sightsavers and Christian Blind Mission (CBM) called for investment in vision and hearing services to support every child in Africa, at a roundtable event held as part of the UN General Assembly high-level week.

Both organisations emphasised the importance of collaborative approaches among governments, organisations of people with disabilities, young people, the private sector, non-government organisations (NGOs) and international organisations to achieve the greatest possible impact.

The event focused on the new African Continental Initiative on Inclusive Vision and Hearing, led by the African Union Commission with the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, in strategic partnership with UNICEF.

Vision and hearing challenges are among the most common conditions affecting children in Africa and often cause barriers to learning, participation and development. Solutions to address these challenges exist, from low-cost digital screening tools to affordable assistive devices, making it possible to achieve results across the continent.

The roundtable event followed a historic milestone earlier in September: the adoption of the first UN General Assembly resolution on access to assistive technology. This resolution states the right to assistive products, including for children and young people with disabilities.

Sightsavers and CBM – following their recently formalised partnership agreement – attended the high-level event to speak about collaborative approaches to integrated and technically sound interventions for child vision and hearing care.

Sightsavers CEO Dr Caroline Harper said: “All children have the right to healthcare and education, but millions of children across Africa are missing out because they can’t access the vision and hearing services they need. The Africa Continental Initiative represents an opportunity to accelerate progress by bringing together governments, NGOs and young people with disabilities, along with their representative organisations. Sightsavers, particularly in partnership with CBM, will continue collaborating to realise our shared vision for every child to access the services and assistive products they need to participate fully in society.”

Dr Rainer Brockhaus, CEO of Christian Blind Mission, said: “CBM welcomes this new initiative, which responds to the urgent need for integrated vision and hearing care services across Africa and will help ensure that no child is left behind. Achieving this won’t be possible without a collaborative approach. Governments, civil society, the private sector and other partners must work together to make the most of our combined expertise and strengths and ensure the greatest possible impact for children with disabilities and their families.”