Our work in Côte d’Ivoire
Sightsavers’ work in Côte d’Ivoire focuses on diseases such as river blindness. In 2019 we distributed 3.6 million treatments and trained 8,600 volunteers to give out medication.
Neglected tropical diseases such as river blindness are a major health problem in Côte d’Ivoire.
It’s believed more than 21 million people are in danger of contracting lymphatic filariasis, a debilitating infection transmitted via mosquito bite.
More than 4.1 million people are also at risk of river blindness, which can cause severe skin irritation, itching, visual impairment and irreversible blindness. It is spread by the bite of infected black flies.
Thanks to the UK aid flagship neglected tropical disease (NTD) programme, Ascend West and Central Africa, as a consortium, Sightsavers along with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Mott Macdonald, and the SCI Foundation, is supporting ministries to combat these diseases. In addition to supporting efforts to eliminate lymphatic filariasis and river blindness, the programme is also working to protect communities from schistosomiasis and trachoma.
At a glance
Total populationWhat we focus on
Key programmes
Your donation could help to protect sight
DONATEMore from western Africa
UK government cuts funding for neglected tropical diseases
The £4 billion cut includes ending funding for the FCDO's flagship neglected tropical disease programmes, including the Sightsavers-led Ascend West and Central Africa programme.
How inclusive education is transforming children’s lives
In Mali, a Sightsavers project is ensuring children with disabilities are able to learn alongside their peers. Students, teachers and parents describe how the project has made a difference.
Ghana’s electoral processes have improved – but are they inclusive?
Ghana has made significant strides towards addressing disability rights. But people with disabilities are not given equal opportunities to participate in electoral processes.
World NTD Day 2021: highlights from around the world
On 30 January 2021, Sightsavers joined global celebrations to mark the fight against neglected tropical diseases.
January 2021 updates: highlights from around the world
In Côte d’Ivoire, eye health staff have been working to ensure eye surgery is COVID-safe. Plus news from Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Ghana and more
How Sightsavers has helped to adapt braille into Mali’s local language
As part of Sightsavers' inclusive education project, which supports children with visual impairments across Mali, we’ve worked with linguistic expert Dr Issiaka Ballo to translate braille into the local language for the first time.
We save sight in 30 countries worldwide
Where we work