We’re thrilled to share that the recent introductory meeting and working session between EYElliance, the Ministry of Health’s National Eye Health Program, and Community Health Directorate in Côte d’Ivoire was a huge success. This dedicated team is kicking off a pilot to demonstrate thatCommunity Health Workers (CHWs) can effectively deliver eye care services, including vision screenings and reading glasses distribution. This is an essential step toward advocating for integration of these services into the CHWs' Minimum Package of Activities, a critical step toward achieving national scale.
Why This Matters:
- Presbyopia affects 30.58% of adults aged 40+, or 5.4 million people in Côte d'Ivoire.
- Eyeglasses are one of the most cost-effective health interventions, enabling people to regain clear vision and improve their quality of life instantly.
- For many individuals in rural areas, this is their first-ever access to vision care, transforming livelihoods by helping them stay productive and engaged in community life.
- The pilot will lay the groundwork for long-term sustainable access to eyeglasses, demonstrating that CHWs can bridge the gap between underserved communities and critical eye care services.
- Integrating eyeglass distribution into routine CHW services will also create a strong referral network for more complex eye conditions, ensuring that more serious issues can be treated at higher levels of the health system.
Pilot Plan:
- The Ministry of Health at the National and Sub-National level will lead implementation of a campaign-style approach, starting with training CHWs, followed by service provision to pre-mobilized communities in Korhogo 1 Health District.
- 42,000+ adults aged 40+ will be screened, and ±12,000+ reading glasses will be distributed, based on prevalence estimates.
- 330 community actors, including 146 CHWs, will lead the effort, alongside 184 town criers for community mobilization.
This pilot is not just about proving that CHWs can deliver vision screenings and reading glasses, but also setting the stage for national integration of these services into routine community health services. Together, we're working to ensure eye care becomes an integral part of the services CHWs provide across Côte d’Ivoire.
