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Our work in Guinea-Bissau

Neglected tropical diseases such as trachoma and river blindness continue to affect people in Guinea-Bissau. In 2021 we helped to distribute more than 1.2 million treatments to stop the spread of these diseases.

Trachoma patient Aladje sits with his grandchildren outside their home in Guinea-Bissau.

Sightsavers started working in Guinea-Bissau in 2001. Our work in the country focuses on controlling and eliminating five neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

As part of our projects to stop the spread of these diseases, we help to distribute medication and promote cleanliness, as well as organising health screenings in remote villages.

Protecting people against these diseases enables the poorest communities to return to fertile agricultural land close to rivers, which they may have left because of the risk of infection. This ensures they can earn an income from farming.

Our work also helps to reduce the number of children who are forced to miss school because of severe medical conditions or to care for sick relatives, enabling children to continue their education.

At a glance

Total population
  • 1.9 million

  • What we focus on
  • Trachoma
  • River blindness
  • Lymphatic filariasis

  • Key programmes
  • A billion NTD treatments
  • Reducing river blindness
  • Fighting trachoma
  • Before, I was in so much pain. But after the operation I am feeling very good now. I praise god for that.
    Malam, trachoma patient
    Malam smiles outside his home in Guinea-Bissau.

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