Benin
Our work in Benin focuses on treating and preventing neglected tropical diseases. In 2017 we helped to distribute 4.3 million treatments for river blindness in the country.
Sightsavers is working to protect more than 3.9 million people in Benin from avoidable blindness by eliminating onchocerciasis, otherwise known as river blindness.
This debilitating disease, caused by parasite infections, is spread via the bite of infected black flies, and can lead to blindness. It is thought to be endemic in 51 of Benin’s 77 districts.
As well as treating river blindness, we also provide medication to tackle lymphatic filariasis, another neglected tropical disease that causes severe disfigurement.
In 2017, Sightsavers provided more than 6.3 million treatments in Benin to help protect against both diseases. We also helped to train more than 10,000 volunteer community distributors in Benin, enabling them to gather data and give out medication to protect against these diseases.
At a glance
Total populationWhat we focus on
Key programmes
How we’re making a difference in Benin
Many areas of the country are inaccessible by road, so our eye care workers travel many miles on foot to distribute sight-saving medication to the people who need it.
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August highlights: updates from around the world
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Government leaders, health workers, volunteers and international aid workers have gathered in Ghana’s capital, Accra, to mark the achievement.
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Image of Sightsavers’ work in Ghana wins photo competition
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July highlights: updates from around the world
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More UK funding announced for disability-inclusive employment initiatives
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