Lymphatic filariasis, one of a group of conditions known as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), is caused by infection with a parasitic worm, which is spread from person to person by the bite of infected mosquitoes. The disease can cause severe lymphoedema: painful, abnormally enlarged body parts due to accumulation of fluid in lymphatic vessels which have been damaged by the worm. These symptoms prevent people from leading full and active lives, hampering employment opportunities and leading to devastating stigma.
Sightsavers and partners are supporting the ministry of health to eliminate lymphatic filariasis in the country by distributing medication to protect and treat the disease, as well as improving the quality of treatment by training health workers and volunteers to give out medication in the community.
The prize was awarded for our inclusion project which promotes the rights of people with disabilities to participate in civic and political life in Cameroon and Senegal.
We’re working with partners in Cameroon and Senegal to ensure people with disabilities are able to take part in every stage of the political process.
Charity evaluator GiveWell has provided a further US$7.8 million to fight intestinal worms and schistosomiasis in Nigeria and Cameroon.
Cameroon has become the second African country to begin to ratify the African Disability Protocol, which addresses unique issues that affect people with disabilities in African countries.
Hear first-hand how Sightsavers is working with GiveWell to control intestinal worms and schistosomiasis, two devastating diseases that affect thousands of children in Cameroon.
Africa is behind on the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, yet there are programmes already in place that can help to distribute vaccines in the continent.
More than 6,300 people have had cataract operations in the past three years at Magrabi ICO Cameroon Eye Institute, with safety protocols enabling work to continue during the pandemic.
A campaign to protect school children from worm infections has been launched in Cameroon. Plus news from Burkina Faso, India and more.
A selection of Sightsavers river blindness photographs featured as part of the Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD) conference.
How do you provide treatment for neglected tropical diseases like river blindness when you can’t find some of the people who are most at risk?
The accolades, from the the International Association and Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), recognise and celebrate young and upcoming staff and volunteers within the eye health sector.
Sightsavers staff provide a first-hand insight into the five ways we’re making sure children with disabilities aren’t left behind during the COVID-19 pandemic.