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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How we’re transforming political participation in Cameroon and Senegal
Sightsavers’ Laurène Leclercq shares successes from an award-winning project in Cameroon and Senegal that’s supporting people with disabilities to participate in all aspects of political life.
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.
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Charity evaluator GiveWell has provided a further US$7.8 million to fight intestinal worms and schistosomiasis in Nigeria and Cameroon.
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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.
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Photos from Sightsavers river blindness projects feature at prominent research event
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Three Sightsavers nominees win IAPB awards
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