Sightsavers and RSTMH extend research partnership

Sightsavers and the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH) are to publish two further collections of research papers.

The organisations have been working together to share Sightsavers’ research with a wider audience, as part of an agreement that began in 2021. The collaboration aims to produce and share evidence that can support the international community to eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and strengthen health systems.

Sightsavers and RSTMH have already published three special supplements for RSTMH’s International Health journal, each containing more than 10 peer-reviewed research papers. The first supplement featured Sightsavers’ studies on eye health, while the second focused on the Ascend West programme, and the third showcased work on eliminating the eye disease trachoma.

One of the additional supplements will include learnings around eliminating onchocerciasis, a devastating NTD that can cause permanent blindness. The other supplement will be published to mark Sightsavers’ 75th anniversary in 2025 and will take a broader look at its research across eye health, social inclusion and NTDs.

Sightsavers director of NTDs Simon Bush said: “I’m delighted that we can continue to grow our partnership with RSTMH, which has already helped to advance global knowledge around eye health and NTDs.

“Research is a key part of our work at Sightsavers, as it helps us to continually improve our programmes. I’m proud that through our agreement with RSTMH, the benefits of this research will also be shared with many other organisations and the global NTD community.”

RSTMH chief executive Tamar Ghosh said: “We’re excited to announce the publication of two more supplements in our scientific journals, in partnership with Sightsavers. This dissemination partnership allows us to use our journals and other channels to help share important outcomes and learnings with our members and wider networks across sectors and around the world.”