We work with the government in Côte d’Ivoire and countries across Africa to deliver vital charity work and make sure everyone has the chance to thrive.
Sightsavers in Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire is one of the most prosperous nations in West Africa.
Despite having a growing economy, the country’s health care system still lacks funding and essential resources, including skilled staff, medicine and adequate facilities. Most doctors are based in the cities, meaning people in rural areas find it harder to get good-quality health care.
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are highly prevalent in Côte d’Ivoire, putting millions of people at risk of illness and disability. Five NTDs that can be prevented and treated with medication are endemic in the country.
Many people with disabilities in Côte d’Ivoire are denied opportunities because of negative stereotypes and attitudes around disability. As a result, they often face barriers when claiming their right to education, employment and health care.
Facts about Côte d’Ivoire
- Population: 29 million
- Capital: Yamoussoukro
- Official language: French
- Human development index (HDI) ranking: 159 (medium)
A health care worker checks a young child's eyes for trachoma.
What are the challenges in Côte d’Ivoire, and how can these be addressed?
Infectious diseases
People in Côte d’Ivoire are at a high risk of neglected tropical diseases.
Infectious diseases that can cause permanent blindness and long-term disability pose a high risk to people in Côte d’Ivoire. Our work on neglected tropical diseases in the country focuses on trachoma and river blindness.
Inclusion and equality
People with disabilities in Côte d’Ivoire are often denied their human rights.
Women and girls also face stigma and discrimination in society. Our charity work on disability rights in Côte d’Ivoire focuses on improving everyone’s access to health care, education and employment.
“The best part of my job is ensuring future generations never lose their sight from diseases such as river blindness.”
Astou Sarr, country director
How you can help
Our charity work in Côte d’Ivoire is helping to eliminate neglected tropical diseases and ensure equality, but there’s still more we need to do.
With your support, we want to reach even more communities where infectious diseases are present and ensure everyone can claim rights to learn, earn and thrive. To do this, we need your help.
Charity donations, legacies, corporate partnerships and gifts from charitable foundations are a vital source of funding for our programmes in Côte d’Ivoire. We also welcome opportunities to work in partnership with governments, institutions and development organisations.
Contact us: If you have any questions about our work in Côte d’Ivoire, would like details about our programmes or wish to discuss ways to donate or support us, email [email protected]
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