In 2010, Sightsavers’ Board of Trustees and Strategic Management Team (SMT) approved an approach to ‘fast track’ onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, as one intervention that Sightsavers can have long lasting impact. The proof of principle of the elimination of transmission of the disease has been confirmed and most projects supported by Sightsavers have been approved that they can elimination potential.
Sightsavers is a leading player in onchocerciasis control in Africa. Confirmation of the proof of concept means our projects are able to progress from control to elimination, ensuring a lasting legacy of our support to onchocerciasis elimination.
These documents outline our current work: the potential for the elimination of transmission of the disease where feasible, tracks and approach to move from control to elimination, and provide a data set of information to those in the organisation working on or raising the funds for onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. Publication date: June 2015
Now in its sixth year, the Accelerate programme has already delivered 53 million treatments to protect people from trachoma, and managed 91,000 advanced cases of the disease.
The extra funding from international donors will help speed up the elimination of trachoma in Africa by expanding and extending the programme.
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has awarded Sightsavers a grant of US$2.19 million to help fight the disease.