David Bennett, Director of Programme Support at Orbis UK, said:
“We welcome the Government’s projections of a return to spending 0.7% of Gross National Income on Official Development Assistance (ODA) in 2024/25, but in the meantime those who need support right now continue to suffer. 90% of the world’s blindness and vision loss is preventable. Most of the people affected live in low- and middle-income countries where untreated conditions such as cataracts and trachoma can lead to children missing out on their education and parents losing their livelihoods. People living in these communities cannot wait until 2025. Blindness and vision loss deepens inequality, and at a time when the UK should be leading the international community ahead of the COP26 climate summit, we need to ensure aid prioritises vulnerable communities with little to no access to healthcare including vital eye care.”
