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<p>DFID has a number of programmes that directly and indirectly support the prevention
and treatment of avoidable blindness. Since 2010 DFID has supported: the control of
river blindness; programmes that contribute to the elimination of blinding trachoma;
the work of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust to tackle trachoma, diabetic
retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity across the Commonwealth; a Programme Partnership
Arrangement with Sightsavers and several UK Aid Match schemes that provide a range
of sight-restoring and sight-saving operations; and funding provided to UNICEF, the
GAVI Alliance and the Measles and Rubella Initiative (MRI) that has helped provide,
amongst other things, food fortification, Vitamin A supplementation and measles immunisation,
which reduce the risk of blindness.</p><br /><p>Prevention and treatment of avoidable
blindness requires a strong health system. Through its health systems strengthening,
DFID is helping to ensure that eye treatment is available for all. The UK is providing
significant support to developing and maintaining robust health systems to enable
developing countries to address their health priorities.</p><br />
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