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other·ophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology, public health, epidemiology, pediatrics·PMC10632828

Child eye health in Ethiopia: a mixed methods analysis of policy and commitment to action

BMJ Open · 5 authors, 6 centres

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TL;DR

This study used documentary analysis and key informant interviews to evaluate Ethiopian health policies for child eye health. The central finding is that child eye health is insufficiently focused on in key policy documents, lacking dedicated funding, workforce, and integration into the primary health system.

Full summary

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The study assessed the integration of child eye health (CEH) into policy and practice. Results showed a lack of focus on CEH in key health policy documents, with limited funding, human resource shortages, and a subpar referral system noted. The discussion highlights poor coordination between ministries, a lack of clear ownership and accountability for CEH, and insufficient integration into primary care services like the Health Extension Programme.

STUDY TYPE

other

SPECIALTY

ophthalmology

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AI pipeline

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100% · A

ORIGINAL PAPER

PMC10632828

Child eye health in Ethiopia: a mixed methods analysis of policy and commitment to action

BMJ Open

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ABSTRACT

Background Child eye health is a serious public health issue in Ethiopia, where children under the age of 15 account for over half of the population. Our aim was to review Ethiopian health policy and practice to reveal approaches and commitment to promotion and delivery of child eye health services. Methods We conducted a mixed-methods situational analysis employing documentary analysis and key informant interview methods. Government publications touching on any element of child eye health were included. Key informants were eligible if they were leaders, authorities, researchers or clinicians involved in child health. Data was combined and analysed by narrative synthesis, using an adaptation of the Eye Care Situation Analysis Tool as a framework. Findings Eleven documents developed by the Ministries of Health and Education were included and interviews with 14 key informants were conducted. A focus on child eye health was lacking in key health policy documents, demonstrated by limited allocation of funds, a shortage of human resources, and a subpar referral system across all levels of child eye care. Conclusion The study identified several gaps and limitations in child eye health in Ethiopia. There is a need for health policies that strengthen ownership, finance and partnerships for improved coordination, and collaboration with line ministries and other stakeholders to improve child eye health services in Ethiopia.

CITATION EXPORT

Sadik Taju Sherief, Samson Tesfaye, Zelalem Eshetu et al.. Child eye health in Ethiopia: a mixed methods analysis of policy and commitment to action. BMJ Open. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075622

AUTHORS

5 · 6 CENTRES

Sadik Taju Sherief, Samson Tesfaye, Zelalem Eshetu, Asim Ali, Helen Dimaras

1Ophthalmology, Addis Ababa University College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2Ophthalmology and Visual Science, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
3Orbis International Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
4Biruh Vision Speciality Eye Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
5Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
6SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada