The Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, Michael Joseph, met with three young leaders in eye health following their participation in the Global Eye Health Summit hosted by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, alongside co-host countries Bangladesh, Guyana, Ireland and Nigeria, and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).

The meeting provided an opportunity for the Minister to hear about the young leaders’ personal journeys into eye health, their professional experiences and the work they are undertaking to improve access to eye-care services in their respective countries.

The young leaders included Cynthia Gape of Botswana, a Software Trainer and Design Lead at Peek Vision, whose commitment to eye health was influenced by her mother’s experience with vision loss and limited access to care. Samit Sakib Gore of India, Director of Operations and Innovation at Vision Friend Sakib Gore, draws on years of experience in community eye-care initiatives and is focused on developing sustainable, accessible eye-care services.

Also present was Juania Mela Mora Cuna Auguste of Haiti, an Ophthalmology Nurse Practitioner and co-founder of the Haitian Foundation for the Fight Against Glaucoma (FONHAG), who advocates for early glaucoma detection and supports persons living with visual impairment.

As a token of appreciation and to commemorate their visit to Antigua and Barbuda, Minister Joseph presented each of the young leaders with a copy of A Little Bit of Paradise, a publication showcasing the country’s beauty and culture.

The engagement highlighted the important role of young leaders in advancing eye health and improving access to vision care in communities around the world.

Source: Antigua News Room Health Minister Engages Young Leaders in Global Eye Health.