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Fighting disease

A group of doctors in blue surgical scrubs performing eye surgery.

How trachoma surgery has changed lives in Côte d’Ivoire

As Côte d’Ivoire completes its final operations as part of the Accelerate programme to fight trachoma, hear the stories of some of the people involved.

July 2021
A man has his eyes checked for signs of trachoma.

World’s largest trachoma surveys reach 50th country

Sierra Leone has become the 50th country to be surveyed for trachoma as part of the initiative, with one person being examined for trachoma every 26 seconds since the surveys began in 2012.

July 2021
School children in a queue have their information taken by a man

UK government cuts funding for neglected tropical diseases

The £4 billion cut includes ending funding for the FCDO's flagship neglected tropical disease programmes, including the Sightsavers-led Ascend West and Central Africa programme.

June 2021
The view from the deck of a boat, with a sunset and land in the distance.

“Trachoma: go! We don’t want you!”

A video diary recorded by Sightsavers programme officer Iliezer Gomes Bidjonque gives a unique look at how we're tackling trachoma on the remote Bijagos Islands in Guinea-Bissau.

June 2021
two surgeons work on a patient.

Thousands of people in Africa get sight-saving surgery

In three years, Sightsavers’ Accelerate programme has supported governments in 12 countries to provide eye surgery to 37,000 people.

June 2021

“Taking photos helps people to understand our problems”

People in Nigeria with diseases affecting the skin have shared their photos as part of a research project into how these conditions can be better managed.

May 2021
The Countess of Wessex on a video call with key representatives involved in the elimination of trachoma in The Gambia. All participants are clapping their hands in celebration.

Countess of Wessex hails trachoma elimination in The Gambia

In a video call, the Countess congratulated key representatives who helped The Gambia to reach this milestone.

April 2021
A health worker checks childrens' eyes for signs of trachoma.

Trachoma elimination in The Gambia: sustaining the success story

Sightsavers directors Balla Musa and Phil Downs reflect on what this achievement means for The Gambia, and how other countries can learn from the experience.

Sightsavers, April 2021
A group of women sing, dance, and clap their hands.

Trachoma is eliminated in The Gambia

The Gambia has become the second country in sub-Saharan Africa to eliminate the potentially blinding disease, as confirmed by the World Health Organization.

April 2021
A man stands outside with a group of schoolchildren.

The Gambia’s milestone journey to trachoma elimination

As The Gambia becomes the second country in sub-Saharan Africa to eliminate the disease, four people tell their stories about reaching this life-changing goal.

April 2021