On July 10 at the United Nations, Bangladesh, Guyana, and Nigeria were named cohosts of the first Global Summit for Eye Health, which will take place on November 2 in Antigua and Barbuda. The cohosts will join Antigua and Barbuda in organizing the inaugural event, according to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).

The Summit will coincide with the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and is being held in technical collaboration with the World Health Organization and supported by the IAPB. It will bring together heads of government, multilateral organizations, businesses, and civil society leaders to address avoidable sight loss that affects an estimated 1 billion people worldwide. Summit organizers said participating global leaders are expected to announce commitments to strengthen eye health services and accelerate progress toward universal access to eye care.

According to the IAPB, the addition of Bangladesh, Guyana, and Nigeria as cohosts is intended to strengthen political momentum, expand regional representation, and recognize the countries' leadership in advancing eye health initiatives.

Michael Joseph, Antigua and Barbuda's minister of health, said the summit aims to "turn ambition into action" for people experiencing avoidable or treatable sight loss worldwide.

Jessica Thompson, deputy CEO of the IAPB, said investment in eye health can generate significant economic returns. She noted that every $1 invested can yield up to a $28 return and encouraged governments and other leaders to submit measurable commitments in advance of the November summit.