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Our work in Ghana

In June 2018, Ghana was confirmed as the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to eliminate trachoma, thanks to the work of Sightsavers and our partners.

A group of children are waving and smiling at the camera.

Ghana, on the west coast of Africa, boasts consistent economic growth and political stability, yet several blinding diseases are endemic in the country.

Sightsavers has worked in Ghana since the 1950s, and we’re on track to tackle these diseases for good. In June 2018, Ghana was confirmed as the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to eliminate trachoma due to the efforts of the ministry of health and partners including Sightsavers.

Now we are working to eliminate river blindness and lymphatic filariasis too. We tackle these diseases through mass drug administration (MDA), in which medication is given to large sections of the population to prevent the spread of the diseases. In 2021, we helped to distribute more than 3.9 million treatments for neglected tropical diseases across the country, and trained more than 12,000 local volunteers to give out medication in their communities.

In 2020, we supported the Government of Ghana to launch the four-year Ghana Participation Programme, which will improve access to services for people with disabilities and mental health conditions.

Watch the video below to see the story of trachoma elimination in Ghana.

At a glance

Total population
  • 29.4 million

  • What we focus on
  • River blindness
  • Lymphatic filariasis

  • Key programmes
  • Ascend
  • OEM Project

  • Previous programmes
  • National Trachoma Programme
  • How we’re making a difference in Ghana

    Two women have their eyes examined while walking in the field with their crops.

    Banishing trachoma

    As Ghana raced to eliminate trachoma, eye care workers raced through cities and villages to find any remaining trachoma patients.
    Read about our trip

    Gertrude Oforiwa Fefoame speaking into a microphone at an event.

    Disability rights

    Sightsavers advocacy adviser Gertrude Fefoame, who is based in Ghana, has been elected to the UN's disability committee.
    Read about Gertrude

    Rahinatu holds her granddaughter and smiles following her trachoma surgery.

    Changing lives

    As part of our work to eliminate trachoma, we examined millions of people, diagnosed them and referred them for treatment.
    Read their stories

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