Bissau—The initiative expands the resources available for eye examinations, diagnosis and treatment at Simão Mendes National Hospital.
The World Health Organization (WHO) handed over materials and equipment to the National Ophthalmology Service, based at Simão Mendes National Hospital in Bissau.
The equipment, valued at a total of US$151,863, was procured under the National Health System Strengthening Project, funded by the African Development Bank in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health.
Technology for more accurate examinations and treatment
The materials provided include equipment for different stages of eye care.
Slit lamps allow health professionals to examine the structures of the eye in detail. Tonometers are used to measure intraocular pressure, an important test for detecting and monitoring conditions such as glaucoma. The automated refractor-keratometer helps assess refractive errors and corneal curvature, while the optical biometer provides measurements that support the planning of certain procedures.
The National Ophthalmology Service also received an automated perimeter to assess the visual field, a laser system for ophthalmic treatment, trial lens sets, instruments for clinical and surgical procedures, computers and monitors.
Together, these resources provide the service with different tools to examine the eyes, identify changes, monitor the progression of eye diseases and support decisions on the most appropriate treatment for each patient.
Integrating equipment into service delivery
The introduction of new technology is an important step, but results also depend on the conditions in which the equipment is used.
Training for health professionals, regular maintenance, the availability of consumables and well-organized referral pathways are essential to ensure that the equipment remains operational and is used appropriately.
Bringing together technology, trained professionals and effective service organization can help reduce delays in examinations and support safer clinical decisions.
Preventing vision loss and protecting independence
Some eye diseases progress without clear symptoms during their early stages. When they are diagnosed late, treatment options may be more limited, increasing the risk of partial or complete vision loss.
Visual impairment can affect mobility, education, employment, independence and participation in family and community life. It can also increase the need for support from family members, with unpaid care responsibilities often falling disproportionately on women.
Early detection of eye diseases therefore has an importance that extends beyond clinical care. It can help prevent avoidable disability and protect people’s independence and quality of life.
Achieving this outcome also requires attention to the barriers faced by people who live far from specialized services, have limited financial resources or need support to travel. Strong links between regional health services and the National Ophthalmology Service are essential to ensure that people who need specialized assessment are identified and referred in a timely manner.
Alignment with WHO priorities
The initiative is aligned with WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work, known as GPW 14, which guides the Organization’s work from 2025 to 2028. One of its priorities is to expand access to essential health services, with attention to the inequalities that influence who receives care and under what conditions.
The handover also contributes to WHO’s Vision 2035 for the African Region, particularly its objectives of modernizing health services, expanding access to care and strengthening countries’ capacity to respond to the health needs of their populations.
In 2026, the initiative has additional significance in the context of WHO’s global campaign, “Together for health. Stand with science.” The campaign highlights the importance of turning scientific knowledge and advances into practical solutions within health services.
Cooperation in support of eye health
The handover resulted from cooperation between the Ministry of Public Health, Simão Mendes National Hospital, WHO and the African Development Bank.
The initiative provides the National Ophthalmology Service with important tools to improve the assessment and treatment of eye diseases, supporting the daily work of health professionals and the response to the eye health needs of the people of Guinea-Bissau.
