A drug distributor in Hore Felo, Guinea measuring a beneficiary for the correct dosage of Mectizan, which protects against river blindness, a neglected tropical disease.

© Laura Crow/Sightsavers

River blindness drug distribution in Guinea
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Statement - UK Government increases funding to Neglected Tropical Diseases

Statement from international development organisation, Sightsavers, in response to increased funding to treatment and prevention of NTDs by the UK Government.

Caroline Harper, Chief Executive of Sightsavers, says:

“This is a key moment in the fight against NTDs, setting us on a powerful course towards the control, and in some cases elimination, of these diseases.

“The specific commitment towards the treatment of blinding diseases is also significant, as it will help those of us involved in the fight against trachoma and onchocerciasis (river blindness) to meet our ambitious aim of elimination.

“However there is still much more investment needed. Today’s announcement, although a milestone, will need to act as a catalyst for worldwide action to be taken in order for lasting change to be achieved.”

Ends/

For further press information, please contact: 

Sightsavers Press Office on 01444 446600

press@sightsavers.org

For media enquiries out of hours, please call 07976 44 30 40

Notes to editors/

  1. Sightsavers is a registered UK charity (Registered charity numbers 207544 and SC038110) that works in more than 30 developing countries to prevent blindness, restore sight and advocate for social inclusion and equal rights for people who are blind and visually impaired.  www.sightsavers.org
  2. There are 39 million blind people in the world; 80% of all blindness can be prevented or cured.
  3. Sightsavers is a founding member of the UK Coalition against Neglected Tropical Diseases and a leading partner in the control of three of the neglected tropical diseases – trachoma, onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis, with several combined programmes now launched which treat other NTDs.
  4. In the six decades since its foundation, Sightsavers has:
  • Treated over 206.8 million people for blinding and potentially blinding conditions
  • Carried out over 7.1 million operations to restore sight
  • Trained almost 0.5 million primary eye care workers
  • Carried out rehabilitation training to 91,000 people
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