International health policy and German development cooperation focus primarily on preventive measures. This is evident, for example, in diseases such as childhood blindness, which can be prevented through vaccinations or vitamin A supplements. However, eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma cannot be prevented. Only early diagnosis and surgery can protect affected children from going blind. The Leopoldina discussion paper therefore recommends that German development cooperation should focus on both strengthening medical treatment and maintaining a strong emphasis on prevention. The paper illustrates these proposals with practical examples from southern Africa.