Bangladesh launches WHO SPECS 2030 eye care initiative

On 18 August 2026, Bangladesh formally launched the World Health Organization's 'WHO SPECS 2030 Initiative' at a ceremony in Dhaka, with State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA M. A. Muhit as chief guest. The government announced plans to introduce dedicated eye care facilities—including outpatient, inpatient, and operation theatre services—at 151-bed hospitals under construction in every upazila, aiming to cover around 500 upazilas. An integrated National Eye Care Plan is being finalized, targeting approximately one million cataract surgeries, distribution of millions of spectacles, and treatment for diabetic retinopathy. Primary eye care will be made a mandatory component of training for 100,000 health workers being recruited. The government also plans to modernize and expand the Bangladesh — National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital (NIOH) and has secured a commitment to host a global summit on eye care. The initiative aims to bring significant improvements to Bangladesh's eye care sector within three to four years.