Time is moving quickly! In the first quarter of the year, we focused on strengthening existing relationships and revisiting conversations with doctors, NGOs, and institutions that have shown interest in supporting early detection of childhood eye conditions. These engagements are beginning to take shape through more structured collaborations, including partnerships with local organizations, exploration of new MOUs, the establishment of additional student chapters, and the recruitment of ambassadors and volunteers across multiple countries.
Our student chapter network continues to grow, with increasing interest from universities across different countries, including a recent partnership with the University of KwaZulu-Natal. These chapters play an important role in driving grassroots awareness among young people and extending the reach of the Know The Glow message within communities. We continue to support both new and prospective chapters as they explore how to integrate awareness into their local contexts.
Our South Africa awareness campaign commenced on March 15 and will run until May 15, 2026. We are encouraged by the connections made so far. Doctors we have engaged with, NGOs that have shared insights, supported translation of materials into five local languages, and integrated our content into their outreach efforts have all contributed to the campaign. We hope this campaign will reach many families and increase recognition of the glow, or leukocoria, as an early warning sign of preventable childhood eye conditions.
We are also pleased to welcome new volunteers to the Know The Glow movement, including Daisy Mogeni from Kenya and Issah Ahmed from Malawi. They bring a strong commitment to raising awareness about leukocoria and are already contributing through hospital work and community outreach to reach more parents and caregivers.
We continue to see encouraging involvement from doctors and volunteers who are integrating leukocoria awareness into their daily work. From clinical settings to community outreach, these efforts are helping ensure that more parents and caregivers receive information about early signs of childhood eye conditions. In several countries, discussions are ongoing to identify opportunities for collaboration with NGOs and to highlight local initiatives aligned with our mission.
Know The Glow was invited by the Ministry of Health to attend the launch of the WHO SPECS initiative in Kenya on April 2, 2026. During the 74th World Health Assembly in May 2021, Member States adopted Effective Refractive Error Coverage (eREC) as a key indicator for monitoring progress towards Universal Health Coverage. Countries are working towards increasing coverage significantly by 2030. In Kenya, this means increasing access to refractive error services to reach national targets. It was meaningful for Know The Glow to be present and contribute to these conversations.
In June, Know The Glow will attend IAPB Insight Live 2026, where we look forward to connecting with doctors and eye health professionals from across the region.
As we continue through 2026, our focus remains on strengthening partnerships, expanding our network of volunteers and ambassadors, and ensuring that awareness leads to early detection and timely care. The collective efforts of our community remain central to advancing this work across Africa.
To support or collaborate with Know The Glow, please visit our website or reach out to explore partnership opportunities.
Together, we can ensure no child’s vision is left behind.
