Our work in Niger
Neglected tropical diseases such as lymphatic filariasis are endemic in Niger, with more than 8.9 million people thought to be at risk of the disease.
This vast, landlocked country is particularly affected by lymphatic filariasis, a parasitic disease transmitted via mosquito bite.
The disease causes many unpleasant symptoms, but is frequently characterised by abnormal enlargement of body parts, including the hands, feet and scrotum (known as hydrocele).
In 2019, Sightsavers supported work in Niger to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as lymphatic filariasis thanks to the UK aid flagship NTD programme Ascend West and Central Africa. This three-year programme is made up of a consortium of partners, including Sightsavers, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Mott MacDonald, and the SCI Foundation.
In the first year of Ascend, we helped to carry out 200 operations for hydrocele. The programme is also planning to protect communities from other NTDs such as schistosomiasis and intestinal worms.
At a glance
Total populationWhat we focus on
Key programmes
Your donation could help to protect sight
DONATEMore from western Africa
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.
Communities in Nigeria drive the fight against COVID-19
The most effective way to tackle health issues is to put affected communities in the driving seat – COVID-19 is no different.
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.
Researchers: See the people behind the numbers
Neglected tropical disease programmes need to focus on people, not just count disease prevalence, say Sightsavers researchers.
Surveys for advanced trachoma resume in Burkina Faso
More than 20,000 people are to be screened in the first surveys since NTD programmes were put on hold because of COVID-19.
Sightsavers' Joy Shu’aibu named an Inspiring Communicator
Sightsavers’ director for programme operations, Joy Shu’aibu, has been named an Inspiring Communicator for 2020.
We save sight in 30 countries worldwide
Where we work