The final push

We’re so close to eliminating trachoma in Zimbabwe. If we want to help more children like Enjoyed, we can’t stop now.

Meeting Enjoyed and Promotion

After three days of travelling across the Binga district and visiting communities, we met Promotion and her 18-month-old son, Enjoyed. Their home was close to several other communities – we weren’t in an isolated area.

Promotion was very welcoming as we arrived, though clearly quiet and shy as she continuously tried to settle Enjoyed. She explained how Enjoyed’s eyes were discharging more than normal, particularly first thing in the morning. The discharge was causing Enjoyed to cry and scratch his eyes due to the pain he was suffering.

Similar to his mother, Enjoyed was very shy and quiet, regularly seeking comfort in being close to his mother. The pain was clearly causing great discomfort.

Promotion tried her best to help her son and sort out the situation, but the local services were unable to help. Upon visiting a health facility, she was told they had no provision of treatment for eyes. This only made her worry more.

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Enjoyed walks towards his mother — Thanks to your donations, Enjoyed received the trachoma medicine he needed.

Enjoyed walks outside towards his mother. He is holding out a cylinder object — His mother, Promotion, was also taught how to prevent future infections.

Enjoyed winces in pain while seeking comfort in his mother's arms — Before Enjoyed received his much-needed treatment, trachoma caused pain and discomfort in his eyes.

Enjoyed stands next to his mother — He would regularly seek comfort in his mother’s arms.

Enjoyed stands outside alone — Following his successful treatment, Enjoyed became more independent.

Enjoyed walks alone outside — All images © Sightsavers

Hope was restored for Promotion when she learned that an antibiotic treatment would arrive the next day as part of the Sightsavers trachoma elimination programme.

Promotion immediately warmed to the idea of giving her son the medicine, with no fears or worries.

After Enjoyed’s treatment, Promotion showed great interest in preventing future trachoma infections. Local health workers explained the SAFE strategy, endorsed by the World Health Organization.

As a precaution, we arranged for Promotion to be checked for trachoma: luckily, she didn’t have it.

Enjoyed’s freedom from trachoma is one example of the impact your generous donations make. Beyond treatment, education is crucial to prevent future infections and eliminate trachoma in Zimbabwe.

Since 2020, the number of districts with trachoma has dropped from 21 to three. The district of Binga, where Promotion and Enjoyed live, is one you have helped.

We are so close to eliminating trachoma in Zimbabwe: we can’t stop now.

I’m so thankful to Sightsavers for the support and the health education through the village health workers.

Promotion, Enjoyed’s mother

Enjoyed sits in his mother's lap outside their home.

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The final push

We’re so close to eliminating trachoma in Zimbabwe. If we want to help more children like Enjoyed, we can’t stop now.

Meeting Enjoyed and Promotion

Help eliminate trachoma in Zimbabwe

Protecting sight, fighting disease and promoting equality for all