The Alliance to Fight Avoidable Blindness (AFAB)

The Alliance to Fight Avoidable Blindness is a partnership program launched in 2008 by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development with the aim of preventing and curing vision problems, offering not just the gift of sight, but a pathway out of poverty.

Aligning with ISFD's Mission

AFAB's objectives are closely aligned with ISFD's mandate of promoting human development and combating poverty. By providing essential eye care services, including surgeries, medications, and training, AFAB contributes to improving the quality of life for individuals in vulnerable communities.

Program Objectives 

The overall goal of AFAB program is to contribute to improving the quality of life of persons with visual disability and uplifting their socio-economic status in the IsDB member countries, by providing a comprehensive, accessible and sustainable eye care services in the selected member countries. AFAB directly supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

By restoring sight, AFAB empowers individuals in IsDB selected member countries to participate fully in society and economic activities, thereby contributing to poverty reduction and sustainable development in their countries. 

First Generation of AFAB

This partnership is dedicated to restoring sight, preventing vision loss, and strengthening the capacity of eyecare professionals in African countries where countless individuals needlessly suffer from blindness. Widespread blindness not only devastates lives but also hinders economic progress, creating a vicious cycle of poverty and disability.

Duration

2008 to 2015

Outcomes

• 244,197 patients received free eye care consultations.
• 49,486 women, men, and children received cataract surgeries free of charge.
• 177 Physicians and technicians benefited from capacity building training.

Second Generation of AFAB

Building on Success

The evaluation of the AFAB First Generation demonstrated its effectiveness in addressing avoidable blindness and its positive impact on social and economic development. Building on these successes, the AFAB Second Generation was launched in 2018 with a focus on national capacity development and increased involvement of health ministries.

Expanding Scope

While continuing its focus on cataract-related blindness, the AFAB Second Generation expands its scope to include other preventable ocular conditions such as refractive errors, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. This broader approach ensures that a wider range of individuals can benefit from the AFAB’s interventions.

Strengthening National Capacities

In addition to providing eye care services, AFAB Second Generation prioritizes the development of national blindness programs and their staff. By collaborating with national programs, the Alliance implements tailored interventions that address specific needs, including services for cataracts, refractive errors, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Each country develops its work plan based on a comprehensive capacity needs assessment.

Duration

2018 to 2024

Outcomes

• 575,407 patients received free eye care consultations.
• 86,983 women, men, and children received cataract surgeries free of charge.
• Scholarships
  • Specialization in Ophthalmology
    • 24 physicians
    • 95 ophthalmic technicians
• Sub-specialization in glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy
  • 9 ophthalmologists
• Training
  • 73 ophthalmologists and ophthalmic technicians participated in training sessions, enhancing their skills in eye care.
• 256,000 children benefited from refractive error screenings. Those diagnosed with refractive errors received glasses and necessary medical treatment.
• 33 medical units in Burkina Faso, Chad, and Guinea were supported with essential eyecare equipment. 

ISFD Contribution

The total cost of the implementation of the second generation of the program is estimated at US$30 million with ISFD contribution of US$5 million.