The Strategic and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) on SPECS 2030 will play a crucial role in shaping strategies to improve global eye health and achieve the target of a 40% increase in access to glasses by 2030.
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| WHO establishes a new advisory group to support the SPECS 2030 initiative, aimed at increasing access to glasses and addressing uncorrected refractive error. Symbolic image |
Geneva, Switzerland - September 30, 2024:
In a significant step towards improving global eye health, the World Health Organization (WHO) has established a new advisory group to support the SPECS 2030 initiative. The Strategic and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) will play a crucial role in shaping strategies, policies, and research aimed at increasing access to glasses and addressing uncorrected refractive error.
Uncorrected refractive error, including conditions like short-sightedness and long-sightedness, is the leading cause of vision impairment worldwide. Recognizing the substantial unmet need for care and the cost-effective solution that glasses provide, WHO Member States endorsed a global target to increase the proportion of people with access to appropriate glasses by 40% by 2030.
The SPECS 2030 initiative aims to facilitate coordinated global action to achieve this target. As Dr. Bente Mikkelson, WHO Director for Noncommunicable Diseases, Rehabilitation, and Disability, emphasized, "Globally, it is estimated that over 800 million people who need a pair of glasses do not have access to them."
The newly formed STAG will be instrumental in guiding the SPECS 2030 initiative. Composed of 16 members representing a diverse range of disciplines relevant to addressing uncorrected refractive error, the group will serve for a two-year term. Their expertise will be invaluable in developing effective strategies to improve eye care access and outcomes worldwide.
This development marks a significant milestone in the global effort to combat vision impairment and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to see clearly. By providing guidance and support to Member States, the STAG will contribute to a more equitable and inclusive world where everyone can benefit from the power of sight.