Cameroon
Many neglected tropical diseases are endemic in Cameroon. In 2017 we distributed more than 14.3 million treatments and trained 22,000 volunteers to give out medication.
More than five million people in Cameroon require treatment for trachoma, and more than 16 million for lymphatic filariasis (LF).
Sightsavers aims to eliminate four neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including trachoma, river blindness and LF, in the country by distributing medication to stop the spread and transmission of the diseases. We also help to train health workers and community representatives to give out medication and promote good hygiene.
It is estimated that two million people in Cameroon have some form of disability. Sightsavers is working to ensure that children with disabilities, including those with visual impairments, are able to go to school and can be educated alongside their peers. We also aim to help adults with disabilities participate fully in society by ensuring they can take part in politics and the democratic process.
View the full video of our Cameroon Country Director explaining how Sightsavers is helping to achieve the UN’s Global Goals in Cameroon.
At a glance
Total populationWhat we focus on
Key programmes
How we’re making a difference in Cameroon
With the help of our partners, we’re pioneering a new way of funding health care in the country. With the help of a development loan, we hope to provide up to 18,000 cataract operations in Cameroon over the next five years.
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A battle to reach the ballot box: Cameroon’s growing disability movement
As Cameroon prepares for its general election, Sightsavers Country Director Joseph Oye explains why he hopes more people with disabilities will vote.
May highlights: updates from around the world
News from Mali, where a new initiative is helping children with visual impairments to go to school. Plus updates from Guinea, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Cameroon.
April highlights: updates from around the world
An update from Nigeria, where Sightsavers has donated new motorbikes to a group of NTD workers. Plus news from Guinea, Cameroon and Mozambique.
Experts praise Sightsavers’ innovative funding in Cameroon
The Cameroon Cataract Development Impact Loan will provide up to 18,000 cataract operations in the country over the next five years.
What we’ve achieved: global highlights from November
A round-up of our work across the world, including news from India, Uganda and Cameroon.
Sightsavers and partners launch innovative approach to funding cataract surgery
The Cameroon Cataract Development Impact Loan could provide up to 18,000 cataract operations in the next five years.
Test and treat: tackling river blindness in Cameroon
Sightsavers is trialling an alternative strategy: rather than treating entire populations, the aim is to test residents first to see if they have the disease.
Research sleuths: how we investigate blips in our NTD elimination projects
How do we react when outcomes aren’t what we expect? The mystery of Cameroon’s Western Region sheds light on the process.
Changing lives in Cameroon
Sightsavers staff travel to Cameroon to mark a milestone in the fight against river blindness: distribution of the 250 millionth Mectizan® treatment.
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