Our work in Cameroon
Many neglected tropical diseases are endemic in Cameroon. In 2021 we distributed more than 3.8 million treatments and trained more than 10,000 volunteers to give out medication.
More than 243,000 people in Cameroon require treatment for trachoma, and more than 1.6 million for lymphatic filariasis (LF).
Sightsavers aims to eliminate three 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.
Deworming programmes have had a huge impact in Cameroon. At the end of 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, a deworming campaign supported by GiveWell went ahead in western Cameroon to protect children from disease.
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
Previous programmes
How we’re making a difference in Cameroon
How do you provide treatment for neglected tropical diseases like river blindness when you can’t find some of the people who are most at risk? Find out how we reach and treat nomadic communities.
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Sightsavers wins Zero Project award for work on political participation
The prize was awarded for our inclusion project which promotes the rights of people with disabilities to participate in civic and political life in Cameroon and Senegal.
We are… promoting inclusive elections
We’re working with partners in Cameroon and Senegal to ensure people with disabilities are able to take part in every stage of the political process.
Sightsavers’ deworming work receives extra funding to reach millions of children
Charity evaluator GiveWell has provided a further US$7.8 million to fight intestinal worms and schistosomiasis in Nigeria and Cameroon.
Cameroon approves landmark disability legislation
Cameroon has become the second African country to begin to ratify the African Disability Protocol, which addresses unique issues that affect people with disabilities in African countries.
“I don’t have a tummy ache any more!”
Hear first-hand how Sightsavers is working with GiveWell to control intestinal worms and schistosomiasis, two devastating diseases that affect thousands of children in Cameroon.
Why Africa doesn’t need to suffer the brunt of vaccine inequality
Africa is behind on the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, yet there are programmes already in place that can help to distribute vaccines in the continent.
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Where we work