Changes in the prevalence and causes of vision impairment and coverage of services between 2008 and 2024 in Koulikoro, Mali: results from two cross-sectional studies
Summary
This article presents the results of a study that compared the results of two rapid assessments of avoidable blindness surveys (RAABs) in Koulikoro region of Mali. It compares survey data from 2008 and 2024 to describe changes in vision impairment (VI) prevalence and service coverage.
The findings revealed encouraging progress: the age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of blindness dramatically decreased by 51.1%. This significant reduction in vision loss was associated with improved access to crucial cataract surgical services, as the coverage for these procedures increased substantially throughout the 16-year period.
These results demonstrate the success of initiatives focused on addressing avoidable blindness, but they also emphasize that crucial cataract surgical services must be expanded further to continue reducing vision impairment in the region.
This article is part of the supplement ‘Sightsavers at 75: delivering impact through health and inclusion research’ in the journal International Health, published in collaboration with the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene in celebration of Sightsavers’ 75th anniversary.