The government has validated a three-year Multisectoral Action Plan for Eye Health (2027–2029) to strengthen coordination and expand access to eye care services across Bangladesh.
The plan was validated at a national workshop held at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka on Monday, attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain as the chief guest. Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare presided over the event.
The Multisectoral National Platform on Eye Health was initiated by The Fred Hollows Foundation (FHF), with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Bangladesh, in coordination with Sightsavers and other members of the International NGO Forum for Eye Health.
Led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), in collaboration with the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital (NIOH), the platform brings together representatives from government ministries, development partners, international nongovernmental organizations, the private sector and other stakeholders.
The formal session began with welcome remarks from Md Mohsin, joint secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and chair of the platform. He highlighted the importance of collective commitment and coordination across sectors to advance the national eye health agenda.
A keynote presentation by Dr Syed Mehbub Ul Kadir, director-in-charge of NIOH and co-chair of the platform, outlined the action plan's priorities, thematic areas and proposed activities for 2027–2029.
The plan recognizes eye health as a cross-sectoral development priority, with vision impairment affecting education, employment, productivity and social participation. It emphasizes coordinated efforts to improve access to inclusive and equitable eye care services.
Representatives from relevant government ministries, United Nations agencies, development partners, international nongovernmental organizations, the private sector and technical institutions attended the workshop. Discussions focused on the plan's strategic priorities, institutional responsibilities and implementation milestones to establish a common roadmap for the next 3 years.
Speaking at the event, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said: “Creating awareness around important health issues including eye health is crucial to maintaining the health and wellbeing of the population of the country. Through stronger multisectoral collaboration, we aim to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can access the eye care services they need.”
The action plan also seeks to translate Bangladesh's commitments to the global eye health agenda, including those made at the Global Summit on Eye Health, into coordinated national initiatives.
Although Bangladesh has made progress in expanding eye care services, preventable vision impairment and avoidable blindness remain significant challenges. Sustained investment, stronger health systems and improved access to services are essential to addressing them.
Musabbir Alam, cluster director for South Asia and the Middle East at The Fred Hollows Foundation Bangladesh, said: “The priority now is to turn our shared commitments into coordinated action and lasting impact.”
Through the platform and the newly validated action plan, stakeholders are expected to work towards stronger coordination, shared accountability and the mobilization of expertise and resources to improve eye health services nationwide.