The Accelerate programme
The Accelerate trachoma elimination programme aims to support at least eight countries to eliminate trachoma as a public health risk, and speed up progress in several others by 2023.
Sightsavers has embarked on a remarkable journey with some of the most trusted names in modern philanthropy, in a bid to eliminate an ancient and blinding disease.
It began as part of The Audacious Project, hosted by TED, to turn transformative ideas into action. Motivated by our long-standing partner Virgin Unite, we pitched the audacious idea of eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, to inspire donors to come together to end an ancient disease that is depicted in the hieroglyphs on ancient Nubian tombs.
As a result, a fund worth over $100 million was launched to accelerate the end of trachoma. It was announced by Richard Branson, via recorded video link, at the high-profile Global Citizen concert in Johannesburg on 2 December 2018.
We’re extremely grateful to all donors involved in the Accelerate programme. These include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, The ELMA Foundation, UK aid and Virgin Unite.
The Accelerate Programme builds on the announcement UK aid made in April 2018 to boost elimination efforts through the Commonwealth 2018-2020 Fund.
Watch the video below to learn about the history of trachoma.
What does Accelerate hope to achieve?
This programme, running until 2023, aims to eliminate trachoma in at least eight African countries, make significant progress in several others, and build on ground-breaking research into the link between the antibiotic used to treat trachoma and a reduction in childhood mortality. Sightsavers and our partners will also work alongside endemic countries to help strengthen healthcare systems so progress continues in the long-term.
Which countries are involved?
Accelerate aims to eliminate trachoma as a public health risk in Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Namibia and Senegal. It also aims to make progress towards trachoma elimination in Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
Global progress
Thanks to the work of endemic countries and the support of individuals, families and organisations such as UK aid, Accelerate donors, USAID, The END Fund, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, since 2002 the number of people at risk of trachoma has dropped by 91%.
It is now within our grasp to make history by ridding the world of this painful disease. But more funding and support is needed to finish the work we’ve started.
An Accelerate case study: Givemore’s story
Ophthalmic nurse Givemore travels to remote communities in Zimbabwe to examine people for signs of blinding trachoma. He wants to make sure everyone is treated so their sight can be saved.
Read his storyHow you can help us beat NTDs
Become a donor institution
Vital funding from governments and other institutions will ensure we can continue our fight to eliminate debilitating neglected tropical diseases.
Become a corporate partner
A corporate partnership with Sightsavers can add value to your business and fund our life-changing work. Your generous support can have a huge impact.
Make a donation
Every gift you give helps change lives for people in some of the world’s poorest countries. With your help, we can continue to treat and prevent devastating diseases such as trachoma.
