Policy and research
In order to influence governments to affect change, we have to ensure we provide adequate evidence, research and policy documentation illustrating that the issues we are concerned with need serious consideration.
Our aim is to become more evidence-based in our approach, both in designing our programmes and to support our advocacy work.
Our policy and research work is based broadly around our four strategic priorities: also known as our change themes. These are health, education, social inclusion and community development.
We have also launched a policy blog, where members of staff will be debating some of the issues that Sightsavers is engaged with.
Health
Avoidable blindness is best eliminated by aligning health systems with government policy: our health programmes should support and strengthen national health systems.
Education
Disabled children constitute more than a third of the approximately 67 million children who are not currently enrolled in primary school.
Social inclusion
Many governments do not have effective policies to tackle disability issues. This needs to be addressed to improve the quality of life for disabled people, especially women and children.
Community development
Communities are not always aware of their own health and development needs. Reversing the situation and encouraging community involvement will help change behaviours and lead to empowerment.
What do you think?