Low vision care and rehabilitation services in sub-Saharan Africa remain significantly underdeveloped, with coverage estimated at less than 10%. Governance is an important component of any health systems evaluation. This study explored governance structures affecting low vision care and rehabilitation services across the region, identifying key challenges and areas for improvement.
A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing key informant interviews with five national or regional eye care managers from Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria and South Africa. Participants were selected based on their expertise in low vision care and rehabilitation governance. Data were analyzed thematically using QDA Miner 5.0 software.
Five major governance challenges were identified in this study: absence of a dedicated policy framework, limited human resources, inadequate funding, lack of comprehensive data for planning and evaluation and a skewed focus on human resource development activities. The lack of standalone low vision care and rehabilitation policies leads to fragmented service provision, and reliance on Non-Governmental Organisations for funding threatens program sustainability. The absence of strong governance structures for low vision care and rehabilitation in Africa negatively impacts the strengthening and provision of services.
There is the need for policy development, structured human resource training, sustainable government-led funding and improved data-collection frameworks to better support care for people with significant visual impairment and ensure equitable access to rehabilitation services for individuals with low vision on the continent.
