Equity + Innovation + Sustainability = Greater Human Capital

Human Capital – defined as the collective potential of individuals – is directly linked to a country’s growth and is one of its greatest assets. Human capital grows, in part, by ensuring equitable access to health and education, promoting innovation and creating sustainability, both human and financial.

Blindness weakens people’s potential by limiting childhood education and minimizing adult productivity, which negatively impacts individuals, families and entire communities. Restoring someone’s sight is one of the most cost-effective health interventions according to the World Bank – when a person can see, they can work, provide for their family and contribute to their community.

Seva Canada builds human capital by ensuring that entire populations receive the eye care services they need, including vulnerable and disadvantaged groups such as the very poor, women, and girls. Gender-integrated health interventions to reach women and girls are key because their health and their awareness of health services is foundational to overall public health.

We have implemented innovative solutions to deliver healthcare, manage information and respond to the needs of eye care providers and users. We have developed unique business models for hospitals and rural clinics that have resulted in increased productivity while providing the highest quality services.

Seva Canada’s eye care programs are built and managed by our international partners. The programs are high-quality, self-sufficient and self-sustaining in terms of both human and financial resources.

For almost 4 decades, Seva Canada has increased human capital through eye care initiatives built on equity, innovation and sustainability. But the countries we support are still poor, their health systems are still inadequate, and inequality is still present in most settings.

Together, we have to do more.