In its capacity as an advisory body to WHO, the STAG on SPECS 2030 has the following functions:

1. provide high-level strategic support and guidance to WHO on options and actions to support the achievement of the World Health Assembly endorsed 2030 target on effective refractive error coverage;
2. make recommendations to inform the forthcoming normative work on refractive error services;
3. advise on effective strategies to increase country action on integration of refractive error services and spectacle provision within health systems and beyond, including the evidence-based policy and legislative changes required to increase spectacle coverage; and
4. recommend priorities within the Organization, identifying strategic entry points to integrate refractive error services into WHO normative work, data and research and innovation activities.
   

Following a call for interests, WHO has appointed the 16 members of the STAG on SPECS 2030.

Members serve in their personal capacities to represent the broad range of disciplines relevant to refractive error including but not limited to expertise on the prevention and demand generation for health services, multisectoral engagement, health economics and surveillance of refractive errors. In the selection of the STAG members, consideration was given to attaining an adequate distribution of strategic and technical expertise, geographical representation and gender balance.

Members of the STAG on SPECS 2030 have been appointed to serve for a period of 2 years (2024–2026) and shall be eligible for reappointment. Their appointment may be terminated at any time by WHO if WHO's interest so requires or, as otherwise specified in these terms of reference or letters of appointment. Where a member’s appointment is terminated, WHO may decide to appoint a replacement member.

STAG on SPECS 2030 members must respect the impartiality and independence required of WHO. In performing their work, members may not seek or accept instructions from any government or from any authority external to the Organization. They must be free of any real, potential or apparent conflicts of interest.

To this end, the members have completed a declaration of interests form and their appointment has been subject to the evaluation of completed forms by the WHO Secretariat, determining that their participation will not give rise to a real, potential or apparent conflict of interest.

Notwithstanding the requirement to complete the WHO declaration of interest form, STAG on SPECS 2030 members have an ongoing obligation to inform the WHO of any interests real or perceived that may give raise to a real, potential or apparent conflict of interest. WHO may, from time to time, request STAG on SPECS 2030 members to complete a new declaration of interest form. This may be before a STAG on SPECS 2030 meeting or any other STAG on SPECS 2030-related activity or engagement, as decided by WHO. Where WHO has made such a request, the STAG on SPECS 2030 member’s participation in the STAG on SPECS 2030 activity or engagement is subject to a determination that their participation would not give rise to a real, potential or apparent conflict of interest.

In order to enhance WHO’s management of conflicts of interest, as well as strengthen public trust and transparency in connection with WHO advisory groups involving the provision of strategic and technical advice, the names and brief biographies of the members appointed to the STAG on SPECS 2030 are disclosed for public notice and comment.

The comments received by WHO through the public notice and comment process are treated confidentially and their receipt will be acknowledged through a generic email notification to the sender. Comments and perceptions brought to the attention of WHO through this process are carefully reviewed. WHO reserves the right to discuss information received through this process with the relevant expert with no attribution to the provider of such information. Upon review and assessment of the information received through this process, WHO, in its sole discretion, may take appropriate management action in accordance with its policies.

If you have any comments, please send them to [email protected] with the subject: “Public comments on STAG on SPECS 2030 members”.

Mitglieder