Prevention and blindness (Resolution)

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION ORGANISATION MONDIALE DE LA SANTÉ R E S O L U T I O N REGIONAL COMMITTEE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC COMITE RÉGIONAL DU PACIFIQUE OCCIDENTAL WPR/RC64.R4 24 October 2013 PREVENTION OF BLINDNESS The Regional Committee, Having considered the report and the draft Towards Universal Eye Health: A Regional Action Plan for the Western Pacific Region (2014–2019); Recalling resolutions WHA56.26 on the elimination of avoidable blindness, WHA59.25 and WHA62.1 on the prevention of avoidable blindness and visual impairment, and WHA66.4 on universal eye health: a global action plan 2014–2019; Recognizing that an estimated 90 million people in the Western Pacific Region are visually impaired and that 80% of all visual impairment can be prevented or cured; Recognizing the linkages between the draft regional action plan 2014–2019 on universal eye health and efforts to address noncommunicable diseases and neglected tropical diseases; 1. ENDORSES Towards Universal Eye Health: A Regional Action Plan for the Western Pacific Region (2014–2019); …/ WPR/RC64.R4 page 2 2. URGES Member States: (1) to strengthen national efforts to prevent avoidable visual impairment, including blindness, through better integration of eye health services into national health plans and health service delivery; (2) to implement the regional action plan 2014–2019 on universal eye health, including universal and equitable access to services, in accordance with national priorities and budgets; 3. REQUESTS the Regional Director: (1) to provide technical support to Member States for the implementation of the regional action plan 2014–2019 on universal eye health in accordance with national priorities; (2) to strengthen advocacy for investment in the prevention of avoidable visual impairment, including blindness; (3) to report periodically to the Regional Committee on the implementation of the action plan. Seventh meeting, 24 October 2013