Page 26 - The Indian EYE 020626

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline FEBRUARY 06, 2026 | The Indian Eye 26

Dr. Vara Prasad Reddy Speaks

at House of Lords on International Day

for a World Without Childhood Blindness

OUR BUREAU
London

n a powerful convergence of pub-
lic health leadership, philanthro-
Ipy, and global policy advocacy,
Padma Bhushan Dr. Vara Prasad
Reddy, Chairman of Shantha Bio-
technics and one of India’s most re-
spected biotech pioneers, will join
and address distinguished stakehold-
ers at the House of Lords, UK Par-
liament, during the commemoration
of the International Day for a World
Without Childhood Blindness (IDW-
WCB) on 31 January 2026.
The high-level commemora-
tion marks 49 years of sustained,
on-ground work by the Eye Founda-
tion of America (EFA) since 1977,
dedicated to preventing avoidable
childhood blindness—particularly
among the most vulnerable children
across India, Africa, and low-re-
source settings globally. The event
brings together Rotarians, Lions
leaders, parliamentarians, diplomats,
policy advocates, CSR leaders, glob-
al health experts, and international health interventions. impact—transforming not only indi- sage that investments in childhood
media, united by a shared mission: “A child’s ability to see is di- vidual lives but also families, school blindness prevention yield exception-
to ensure that no child is denied edu- rectly linked to their ability to learn, systems, and national productivity. al social returns, with lifelong bene-
cation, opportunity, or dignity due to grow, and contribute to society. In- Policymakers and parliamentari- fits in education outcomes, work-
preventable vision loss. vesting in childhood eye care is not ans attending the event will engage force participation, and economic
Dr. Reddy’s participation un- charity—it is nation-building, human in dialogue on how preventive eye resilience.
derscores the critical role of science, capital development, and a moral health can be integrated into nation- “When science, policy, and
innovation, and ethical leadership in imperative,” Dr. Reddy is expected al health systems, school health pro- compassion work together, we don’t
addressing global health inequities. to note. grams, CSR mandates, and universal just cure disease—we unlock human
As the visionary behind Shantha Bio- The International Day for a health coverage frameworks. potential,” Dr. Reddy has often em-
technics—renowned for transform- World Without Childhood Blind- Rotary and Lions leaders phasized in his public life.
ing vaccine affordability and access ness, commemorated annually on from multiple countries will share The commemoration at the
for millions—Dr. Reddy has long ex- January 31, traces its origins to the field-level insights on how commu- House of Lords will conclude with
emplified how public-interest science first eye camp conducted by Dr. V.K. nity-driven service models, com- a renewed global call to action—
can become a force for social justice. Raju in Vijayawada in 1977—an ef- bined with medical excellence, have urging governments, international
Speaking at the House of Lords, fort that evolved into a global move- enabled large-scale screening, early agencies, corporates, and civil society
Dr. Reddy is expected to highlight ment supported by Eye Foundation intervention, and treatment for mil- to recognize childhood eye care as
the urgent but solvable crisis of of America, Rotary, Lions Clubs, lions of children. The event will also a global priority and to work collec-
childhood blindness, stressing that governments, and international part- acknowledge the role of philanthrop- tively toward a future where no child
over 90% of childhood vision im- ners. Today, the movement aligns ic leadership and matching-donation goes blind for lack of timely care.
pairment is preventable or treatable closely with the UN Sustainable De- models in accelerating impact, par- As the world approaches the
if addressed early. His address will velopment Goals, particularly SDG 3 ticularly in neonatal and pediatric 50th year of this movement in 2027,
emphasize the need for policy-driven (Good Health and Well-Being) and eye care programs such as Retinop- the presence of leaders such as Pad-
scale, sustainable financing, and pub- SDG 4 (Quality Education). athy of Prematurity (ROP). ma Bhushan Dr. Vara Prasad Reddy
lic-private collaboration, position- The House of Lords commem- Dr. Reddy’s address is expected reinforces a powerful truth: a world
ing childhood eye care as one of the oration will spotlight how childhood to resonate strongly with CSR and without childhood blindness is not an
highest-impact, lowest-cost global eye care delivers intergenerational industry leaders, reinforcing the mes- aspiration—it is an achievable goal.

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