The Ministry of Health in Liberia, in partnership with Sightsavers, convened a pivotal eye health stakeholders’ meeting in Phebe, Bong County, on June 6, 2025, marking a significant stride towards bolstering eye care services and establishing sustainable health financing mechanisms at the local level. The meeting served as the launchpad for the Bong County Eye Health Steering Committee, a collaborative body comprising civil society representatives, individuals with disabilities, youth leaders, healthcare professionals, and county officials. This committee is poised to champion advocacy efforts and elevate eye health service delivery throughout the county.
The core objective of this initiative, as articulated by Mr. Hiaka Hinneh, Acting Director of the National Eye Health Program, is the integration of eye health into local governance and health planning frameworks through representation on the County Health Board. This integration signifies a crucial step towards building a robust and dependable eye care system capable of effectively addressing the visual health needs of the population. Mr. Hinneh emphasized the imperative of collective action and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders to realize this vision. He further highlighted the pressing need for county-level interventions to secure enduring financial support for eye health, suggesting potential avenues such as allocations within the local government budget and collaborative partnerships with the private sector through corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The stakeholders’ meeting provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the prevailing challenges hindering eye health care in Bong County. Participants identified limited access to essential services, a deficiency in public awareness regarding eye health issues, and an insufficient number of trained personnel as key obstacles. The forum also served as a brainstorming session for strategizing effective ways to embed eye care within primary health services, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations. These discussions emphasized the need for a multi-pronged approach to address the complex interplay of factors impacting eye health.
A central theme throughout the meeting was the importance of decentralizing eye health efforts through the establishment of county-led steering committees. This decentralized approach, aligned with Liberia’s National Eye Health Strategy, aims to foster a more adaptable and responsive eye care system capable of effectively addressing local needs and challenges. Participants enthusiastically embraced this initiative, recognizing its potential to create a more inclusive and community-based approach to healthcare.
The formation of the Bong County Eye Health Steering Committee signifies a critical step towards realizing the goals outlined in Liberia’s National Eye Health Strategy. This strategy aims to eliminate avoidable blindness and ensure equitable access to quality eye care services for all citizens. By empowering local communities to take ownership of eye health initiatives, the Ministry of Health seeks to build a more sustainable and effective eye care system that is responsive to the unique needs of each region.
The stakeholders’ meeting culminated in a resolute commitment to prioritize eye health in upcoming county development planning sessions and to fortify collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, and the healthcare sector. This collaborative spirit underscores the shared responsibility to address preventable blindness and visual impairment and to ensure that quality eye care services are accessible to all. The meeting’s outcomes lay a strong foundation for future progress in advancing eye health in Bong County and contribute to the broader national goal of eliminating avoidable blindness. The participants’ shared commitment to action signifies a promising step towards a brighter future for eye health in Liberia.
