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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