Sightsavers awarded grant to fight neglected tropical diseases in Guinea-Bissau

The Astellas Global Health Foundation has awarded Sightsavers a grant of US$536,700 to help treat four neglected tropical diseases in Guinea-Bissau.

The grant will enable Sightsavers to distribute one million treatments to combat river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis and intestinal worms in six endemic areas of the country.

More than 1.2 million people are at risk of infection in Guinea-Bissau and the treatments will help reduce the morbidity, mortality and disability associated with the debilitating diseases. Once they’re protected through medication, children can continue their education and adults can earn a living and support their families.

The Astellas Global Health Foundation is an international philanthropic organisation that focuses on improving access to health care, building community resilience and providing disaster support around the world. Sightsavers is one of five organisations that will benefit from the foundation’s latest grants, which will total US$3.9 million.