Cameroon
Many neglected tropical diseases are endemic in Cameroon. In 2018 we distributed more than 4.3 million treatments and trained 21,000 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 by 2022.
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How our research is finding new ways to fight river blindness
For more than 20 years, medication has been distributed in Cameroon to stop the spread of river blindness. Yet people are still testing positive for the disease. We wanted to know why.
50,000 patients screened during first year of innovative cataract project
The Cameroon Cataract Development Impact Loan brings together public and private investors alongside eye care delivery experts and charities, including Sightsavers.
Mbalmayo Disability Group, Cameroon
In Cameroon there are laws protecting the rights of people with disabilities, including the right to vote. Yet many still struggle to access the ballot box.
Michel’s story
“The message we want to give through this radio show is that people with disabilities in Cameroon are able to take part in the electoral process.”
Robert’s story
Robert Oyono is Cameroon’s first senator with a disability, and is calling for people with disabilities to be included in the political process.
Nanny’s story
“I didn’t know that disabled people have the right to vote. I didn’t know if it was for a certain class and a certain age.”
Eveline’s story
“People have a lot of misconceptions about blind women. They think that people with visual impairments cannot do anything at all.”
Adieme’s story
“I think if there is a wide mobilisation of the vote among disabled people, it can change things in our country.”
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.
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