Our work in Cameroon
Many neglected tropical diseases are endemic in Cameroon. In 2019 we distributed more than 4.5 million treatments and trained 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.
For over 20 years, medication has been distributed to stop the spread of river blindness. Yet large numbers of people are still testing positive for the disease. Our research aims to find new ways to fight river blindness in Cameroon. Efforts are also being made to reach nomadic communities through a strategy to test and treat them in a way that’s culturally appropriate.
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
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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Photos from Sightsavers river blindness projects feature at prominent research event
A selection of Sightsavers river blindness photographs featured as part of the Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD) conference.
Finding nomadic communities: our research in action
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?
Three Sightsavers nominees win IAPB awards
The accolades, from the the International Association and Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), recognise and celebrate young and upcoming staff and volunteers within the eye health sector.
Programme staff explain how we’re supporting children's learning during lockdown
Sightsavers staff provide a first-hand insight into the five ways we’re making sure children with disabilities aren’t left behind during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why innovation is urgently needed to reach nomadic communities during COVID-19
Kareen Atekem reflects on the challenges and opportunities in reaching Cameroon’s nomadic populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
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Where we work