Climb4EyeHealth Campaign Launched in London to Improve Eye Care Access in Uganda.

The launch of the Climb4EyeHealth Campaign in London has brought Uganda’s eye health challenges to the forefront of global attention, combining fundraising efforts with international partnerships to combat preventable blindness. The initiative was unveiled at the Uganda House Fundraising Conference, which was organised by Eye Health Africa in collaboration with the Ubora Foundation Africa.

Uganda’s High Commissioner to the UK, Ambassador Nimisha Madhvani, praised the effort, describing it as a powerful example of how collective vision and cooperation can deliver lasting change.

Eye Health Africa’s CEO, Primrose Magala, emphasized that the campaign is not only about clinical interventions but also about engaging communities and ensuring vulnerable groups gain access to quality services. Dr. Innocent Ayesiga of Ubora Foundation Africa shared progress from recent projects, revealing that more than 54 healthcare workers had already been trained, surpassing initial targets, and that neonatal eye screening had been introduced at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital.

The campaign also highlights the role of diaspora-driven partnerships. Moses Mulimira, Global Health Partnerships Diaspora Engagement Advisor and Uganda UK Health Foundation In-country Manager, applauded the collaboration between Moorfields NHS Foundation Trust and Ugandan institutions. “When global partnerships meet local priorities, lives are transformed. Preventable blindness no longer has to steal the future of Uganda’s children,” he said.

Climb4EyeHealth seeks to raise funds through high-profile mountain climbs on Africa’s tallest peaks, including Mount Stanley, with proceeds supporting cataract camps, diagnostics, and training for local clinicians. Supporters at the London launch pledged to back efforts aimed at reducing childhood blindness and strengthening sustainable eye health in Uganda.

The need is urgent. According to estimates, more than 28,000 Ugandans live with blindness, while over 329,000 suffer from low vision. Cataracts alone account for over 40% of blindness cases. A 2024–2025 Eye Health Systems Assessment revealed critical shortages in trained staff, equipment, medicines, and infrastructure across regional hospitals and health centers.

Nonetheless, Uganda has made notable strides. On July 30, 2025, the Ministry of Health rolled out a pilot program that distributed more than 16,000 reading glasses through community health workers. Backed by EYElliance and the Clinton Health Access Initiative, the program is bringing affordable primary eye care to rural communities.

With Uganda’s eye care market projected to generate nearly US$1 million in revenue this year and expected to grow steadily, initiatives like Climb4EyeHealth are seen as crucial in closing service gaps while scaling sustainable solutions.

By combining international expertise, local leadership, and grassroots commitment, the campaign aims to transform eye health systems in Uganda, ensuring a brighter and clearer future for millions at risk of preventable blindness.