Vision 2020 - World Health Organization

VISION 2020 GLOBAL INITIATIVE FOR THE ELIMINATION OF AVOIDABLE BLINDNESS: ACTION PLAN 2006–2011
2.3 HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
2.3 HUMAN RESOURCE
DEVELOPMENT
Human resource development is the second component of the strategy for eliminating avoidable blindness
by 2020. The goal is to have in place a sustainable, equitable, comprehensive eye-care system
as an integral part of national health systems, based on the principles and practice of primary health
care. An appropriately trained workforce serves as the link between infrastructure and technology on
the one hand and the processes required to control avoidable causes of blindness and visual impairment
on the other.
In many countries, the work force is limited by shortages, low productivity, maldistribution and suboptimal
outcomes. Nowhere is this more pronounced than in the poorest countries, where the need is
greatest, such as in sub-Saharan Africa and the poorer parts of other developing countries.
This section complements and enlarges on the elements of human resource needs and training described
under the other components of VISION 2020.
Aim
• to have in place an appropriately trained, functional, multidisciplinary workforce, that will focus on
the coverage, quality and sustainability of eye health services
Current situation
In view of the need for a global report on human resources in eye care, data were collected on various
cadres, their training and, to the extent possible, their distribution within countries. The report, Global
human resource development assessment for comprehensive eye care, June 2006, is available on the
VISION 2020 web site or on CD by request.
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