Our work in Republic of Congo
Sightsavers’ work in the Republic of Congo focuses on preventing the spread of neglected tropical diseases by distributing treatments to people at risk.
Diseases such as lymphatic filariasis are endemic in Republic of Congo, with more than 1 million people needing medication to protect against this potentially debilitating disease.
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.
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Sightsavers wins Zero Project award for work on political participation
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 are… promoting inclusive elections
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.
Sightsavers’ deworming work receives extra funding to reach millions of children
Charity evaluator GiveWell has provided a further US$7.8 million to fight intestinal worms and schistosomiasis in Nigeria and Cameroon.
Cameroon approves landmark disability legislation
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.
“I don’t have a tummy ache any more!”
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.
Why Africa doesn’t need to suffer the brunt of vaccine inequality
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.
Life-changing cataract operations continue in Cameroon despite pandemic
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.
March 2021 updates: highlights from around the world
A campaign to protect school children from worm infections has been launched in Cameroon. Plus news from Burkina Faso, India and more.
Photos from Sightsavers river blindness projects feature at prominent research event
A selection of Sightsavers river blindness photographs featured as part of the Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD) conference.
Finding nomadic communities: our research in action
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?
Three Sightsavers nominees win IAPB awards
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.
Programme staff explain how we’re supporting children's learning during lockdown
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.
We save sight in 30 countries worldwide
Where we work