Abstract
Disease-control programmes have an important role to play in strengthening health systems to deliver the
interventions they recommend. In low and middle income countries, there is a shortfall in the coverage of
interventions for primary, secondary and tertiary interventions for the control of Retinopathy of Prematurity
(ROP)-related childhood blindness and visual impairment. We need strong health systems to ensure prevention,
timely diagnosis and access to effective care for ROP. If a health system strengthening approach is employed as
ROP interventions are being planned, health system issues that will affect implementation and outcomes can
be identified.
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