Our work in Benin
In Benin, we focus on treating and preventing five neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). For example, in 2020 we helped support 94 surgeries for advanced trachoma.
Sightsavers is working to protect more than 500,000 people in Benin from avoidable blindness by eliminating trachoma.
Trachoma, the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, is endemic in Benin. Thanks to the support of our Accelerate programme, we are working to protect communities by supporting surgeries for trachoma trichiasis, the advanced stage of trachoma, as well as treatment through mass drug administration.
Thanks to the UK aid’s flagship NTD programme, Ascend West and Central Africa, as a consortium, Sightsavers along with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Mott Macdonald, and the SCI Foundation, is supporting ministries to protect communities in Benin from lymphatic filariasis.
At a glance
Total populationWhat we focus on
Key programmes
Previous programmes
How we’re making a difference in Benin
In Benin, Sightsavers is using digital technology to help eliminate neglected tropical diseases. Sightsavers' TT Tracker app enables our workers to collect and analyse patient data at the touch of a button.
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Benin and Mali become the latest countries to eliminate trachoma
Both countries’ achievements have been validated by the World Health Organization, meaning they join a growing list of countries to have banished the disease.
Trachoma elimination in Benin: “All the pain was gone. It was like a miracle!”
Benin has become the latest country to eliminate blinding trachoma. Here we meet people whose lives have been transformed, and those who helped to banish the disease.
On data and disability: piloting the Child Functioning Module in Nigerian schools
Sightsavers’ Liesbeth Roolvink and Gillian Mackay share learnings from the SMILE project in Nigeria, where a new questionnaire is being used in schools to assess children’s educational needs.
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In Nigeria and Kenya, two innovative education projects are enabling children with disabilities to reach their potential.
A parliamentary caucus on disability issues in Ghana is possible!
Sightsavers’ Peter Anomah-Kordieh Kwasi shares the journey that led to the establishment of a parliamentary caucus that champions disability issues.
Spectrum Markets helps children in Nigeria get sporty for World Children’s Day
Students in Nigeria celebrated by taking part in a football match using sports equipment donated by one of Sightsavers’ corporate partners.
Transforming education: how we’re doing our homework too
Sightsavers’ Liesbeth Roolvink shares the work we’re doing in programme countries to help transform education systems so that all children can go to school.
“Thank God for giving us a mother who loves us so much”
In Nigeria, one community is home to a family in which nearly every member has experienced visual impairment. Amina and six of her seven children have had eye surgery to treat cataracts, ensuring they all have the chance to thrive.
Sightsavers’ Gertrude Oforiwa Fefoame re-elected to UN disability committee
Gertrude, who was nominated by the government of Ghana, was elected alongside five other women and will serve on the committee until 2026.
“I’m able to do things I couldn’t do before”
Salifat experienced painful swelling in her leg for a year before she was visited by a local health worker, who told her she had lymphatic filariasis and taught her to manage her symptoms.
How inclusion ambassadors are reducing disability stigma and discrimination in Ghana
Sightsavers’ Joseph Mensah explains how the Ghana Somubi Dwumadie programme is helping to change negative social attitudes and behaviour.
Sightsavers celebrates partnership anniversary with Spectrum Markets
Spectrum Markets has been supporting Sightsavers’ childhood blindness project in Nigeria, helping to screen children for vision impairments and provide treatment.
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