The first-ever resolution on vision has been approved the United Nations general assembly. The UN called upon its 193 member countries so that they ensure access to eye care for each of their individual citizens. Following this resolution will contribute towards the global effort of helping about 1.1 billion people who are suffering from vision impairment and lack eye services by the year 2030.

About:

• The resolution named “Vision for Everyone” has been sponsored by Antigua, Bangladesh and Ireland, and co-sponsored by more than 100 countries.
• Under this resolution UN has asked the member countries to institute a government approach towards eye care.
• UN has also called upon donors and financial institutions to provide financing for developing countries so that they can address the impact of loss of vision on social and economic development.
• The resolution states that global eye care needs are going to increase substantially as by the year 2050 half of the global population is expected to be suffering from vision impairment.
• More than 90% of the 1.1 billion people globally who are suffering from loss of vision live in low or middle income group of countries.
• 55% of all blind people are girls and women.
• Better access to services related to eye care can increase the per capita household spending by around 88%.
• Better access to eye care related service is essential to achieve the goals of UN for the year 2030 of ending hunger and poverty, ensuring quality education and healthy living and reducing inequality.

Who introduced the resolution?

UN Ambassador of Bangladesh, Rabab Fatima, introduced this resolution, calling this resolution to be long-overdue of the recognition of the pivotal role that healthy vision plays in human life and helps in sustainable development.