St Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis- Dr Terrance Drew emphasized on the eye health and referred it “one of the world’s most cross-cutting issues. During his speech at UNGA, he said that access to eye health care services is difficult for many small island development states due to distinct challenges.
PM Drew said that the SIDS are disproportionally impacted, making the advanced health care services difficult for all, especially for women and girls. He added that the real value of eye health is as a human development opportunity, but the SIDS’s do not address it.
He said that in order to combat the situation, St Kitts and Nevis have participated in the Friends of Vision group from the start. The country enthusiastically supported the first-ever UN resolution on vision- “Vision for Everyone.”
Lauding the resolution, PM Drew said that this is proper agenda of ensuring inclusive access to eye care services for everyone. The vision resolution discussed about the action that needed to be taken through strategic collaboration between member states, civil society and the private sector.
Prime Minister Dr Drew also outlined the aim of the resolution and said that it is the proper description of the solutions of the issues related to eye health.
The vision resolution aimed:
- Emphasized
- on the people-centred services
- Effectively addresses the needs of mar marginalized and vulnerable groups
- Talks about service expansion, both in terms of technological resources but also human resources.
- Promotion of ye-specific health workforces.
Stressing the need of strong leadership, PM Terrance Drew asserted that effective implementation of the resolution needs the strong partnerships and strong leadership. He said, ”Many countries need access to financing and technologies. We can no longer afford to treat eye health as a niche issue.”
He also outlined that St Kitts and Nevis have joined more than 75 Member States in calling for the Secretary-General to appoint a Special Envoy on Vision.
PM Drew added that an envoy will be responsible for the effective implementation of the GA resolution, helping in identify and bridge gaps. He said that an envoy will also ensure strong partnerships and enhanced solution.
He added that avoidable sight loss should be given utmost important as it is realistically within the grasp to solve by 2030.
Prime Minister Terrance Drew also added that St Kitts and Nevis is on drive to become a Sustainable Island State. He said that the government will work to raise the profile of people living with several disabilities.
Anglina Byron, developed a deep-seated passion for journalism. Anglina is recognized for her tenacity, strength, and unwavering commitment to delivering honest and reliable news across the Caribbean. She covers general affairs of the region.
