A -- Strengthening the WHO Program for Prevention of Blindness

The National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health plans to negotiate a modification to contract N01-EY-9-2103 with the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. This contract, titled "Strengthening the WHO Program for the Prevention of Blindness," aims to enhance capacity building for the implementation and evaluation of blindness prevention programs in developing countries. Key activities include researching the relevance and impact of clinical practice guidelines in developing country contexts, characterizing existing research capacities and collaboration opportunities in these regions, and assessing access to and utilization of information infrastructures critical for program development. The contract modification will be pursued through a sole-source negotiation, consistent with federal acquisition regulations, as the government intends to engage only the current contractor without soliciting competitive proposals. The focus is on capacity building to further develop and improve programs that prevent blindness, leveraging the WHO’s expertise and infrastructure. This action reflects a strategic effort to support blindness prevention efforts through targeted research and evaluation in developing countries, ensuring resources and program designs are well-informed and effectively implemented.