The Ministry of Health of Burundi, in partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation, has officially launched a national RAAB (Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness) to evaluate the current state of eye health across the country.

This important survey marks a major milestone, as it comes 12 years after the first RAAB was conducted in Burundi. Training sessions and pilot exercises are already underway, with local teams preparing to carry out assessments in various regions.

The findings from this national RAAB will play a critical role in helping stakeholders plan more effectively, mobilize resources, and advocate for improved eye care services. As avoidable blindness remains a major public health challenge in many low-income countries, updated data will help shape impactful, evidence-based interventions.

We are excited to follow the progress of this initiative and look forward to the insights it will generate to strengthen eye health in Burundi.