Guinea
Our work in Guinea focuses on preventing the spread of diseases such as trachoma. In 2017 we helped to give out 2.5 million treatments to protect people against these diseases.
It’s thought that more than 6.7 million people in Guinea are at risk of catching diseases such as trachoma and river blindness.
Sightsavers has been working in Guinea since 1991 to to tackle neglected tropical diseases, and to treat eye conditions such as cataracts. We help to train doctors, nurses and village distributors to administer medication that can prevent disease spreading and stop patients suffering further sight loss.
Schistosomiasis and intestinal worms are also endemic in the country. As part of a push to eliminate the diseases, we distribute de-worming medication to schoolchildren that are at risk, support education programmes, and train teachers and volunteers to identify the diseases.
Sightsavers is working to improve Guinea’s healthcare system by training ophthalmologists and bringing in health workers from other West African countries, such as Togo, Niger, Mali and Benin. We also provide surgical equipment and support cataract operations.
At a glance
Total populationWhat we focus on
Key programmes
How we’re making a difference in Guinea
Mamadou’s eyesight started to deteriorate when he caught river blindness, but a straightforward dose of medication saved him from losing his sight. He made sure his wife and children were treated too, to prevent them from catching the disease.
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Sightsavers teams up with Nordic eyewear group D & Company
The optical group will give customers the chance to make a donation to Sightsavers to raise money and awareness for eye care projects worldwide.
Givemore’s story
Ophthalmic nurse Givemore travels to remote communities in Zimbabwe to examine people for signs of blinding trachoma. He's determined to make sure everyone is treated so their sight can be saved.
Augusto’s story
Augusto, who had both cataracts and trachoma, struggled to get medical help because of his disability. But Sightsavers’ inclusive healthcare approach enabled him to be treated.
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