Our work in Republic of Congo
Sightsavers’ work in the Republic of Congo focuses on preventing the spread of neglected tropical diseases such as river blindness, by distributing treatments to people at risk.
Diseases such as river blindness are endemic in Republic of Congo, with an estimated 518,000 people needing medication to protect against this potentially blinding disease.
River blindness, one of a group of conditions known as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), is spread by the bite of infected black flies that breed near fast-flowing rivers. The disease can cause severe irritation and itching. If it’s not treated, it can eventually lead to blindness.
Sightsavers and partners aim to eliminate river blindness 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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Key programmes
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Including people with disabilities in African political life
Findings from our research show that lack of education and financial resources, social stigma and inaccessible physical infrastructure contribute to a lack of political participation in Africa.
How our research is finding new ways to fight river blindness
For more than 20 years, medication has been distributed in Cameroon to stop the spread of river blindness. Yet people are still testing positive for the disease. We wanted to know why.
Putting people at the centre of our work to eliminate neglected tropical diseases
Sightsavers' river blindness and lymphatic filariasis programme has delivered 60 million treatments in four countries. Here’s what we’ve learned from the project.
50,000 patients screened during first year of innovative cataract project
The Cameroon Cataract Development Impact Loan brings together public and private investors alongside eye care delivery experts and charities, including Sightsavers.
Mbalmayo Disability Group, Cameroon
In Cameroon there are laws protecting the rights of people with disabilities, including the right to vote. Yet many still struggle to access the ballot box.
Michel’s story
“The message we want to give through this radio show is that people with disabilities in Cameroon are able to take part in the electoral process.”
Robert’s story
Robert Oyono is Cameroon’s first senator with a disability, and is calling for people with disabilities to be included in the political process.
Nanny’s story
“I didn’t know that disabled people have the right to vote. I didn’t know if it was for a certain class and a certain age.”
Eveline’s story
“People have a lot of misconceptions about blind women. They think that people with visual impairments cannot do anything at all.”
Adieme’s story
“I think if there is a wide mobilisation of the vote among disabled people, it can change things in our country.”
Braving the odds to combat NTDs in Democratic Republic of Congo
Sightsavers surveillance manager Ndellejong Cosmas Ejong explains what has already been achieved in DRC, and how we’re pushing ahead to tackle these debilitating neglected tropical diseases.
A battle to reach the ballot box: Cameroon’s growing disability movement
As Cameroon prepares for its general election, Sightsavers Country Director Joseph Oye explains why he hopes more people with disabilities will vote.
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