The project, in Kaduna, Sokoto and Zamfara states, screens children to identify sight problems, then provides cataract operations or glasses to any children in need.
Six-year-old Khadija (pictured below) is one of the children who has benefited from the project. She had struggled at school because of cataracts: she was unable to read the blackboard and was often teased by other children. But thanks to the childhood blindness project, she was able to have sight-saving surgery and can now play with her friends again.
“My family will be happy because I can see properly now,” she said. “I will be able to write, which I couldn’t do before. I feel good now I can see my mum!”
Spectrum Markets is a pan-European marketplace where retail investors can invest in structured products via their brokers. Head of Marketing Martina Hoffard said: “The opportunity to give children sight is not only an investment in the future of these children and their families, it is also an investment in the future of our global community. At the beginning of the year we partnered with Sightsavers, inspired by their efforts for several decades. Our partnership will help support full-circle projects that provide greater access and provisions of training and facilities to communities that need them most.”
For more about Spectrum Markets, visit www.spectrum-markets.com.
The funding, which will be spent between now and 2025, will help to protect millions of people from the harmful effects of NTDs.
Gertrude, who was nominated by the government of Ghana, was elected alongside five other women and will serve on the committee until 2026.
The guide provides a framework and technical tools to help countries prioritise eye health issues and deliver high-quality, inclusive eye care services.