IRI Brazil advanced a new partnership and advocacy agenda to expand access to eye health care in Indigenous Peoples’ communities in the Amazon. On 8 April, IRI Brazil convened the Suel Abujamra Institute, Federal Deputy Marina Silva and Frank Hida of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness to explore support for Aldeia em Foco, an initiative to provide ophthalmological services in Indigenous territories. The discussion highlighted the often-invisible effects of vision loss on autonomy, education, livelihoods and quality of life, and identified ways IRI Brazil can mobilize religious leaders, community engagement and institutional support. A follow-up dialogue with IAPB focused on public policy, including a possible Federal Senate hearing on avoidable blindness in remote regions. By connecting health, dignity and territorial resilience, IRI Brazil is helping strengthen practical support for Indigenous communities who defend forests.
