Sudan
Sightsavers distributes medication and provides eye checks in areas of Sudan damaged by civil war. In 2017 we examined 21,000 people for eye diseases such as trachoma.
Sudan has been damaged by years of civil war, with much of its population facing an inadequate water supply and poor sanitation.
These conditions mean that neglected tropical diseases such as trachoma are rife.
In 2014, Sightsavers began tracking the spread of trachoma in Darfur states, expanding to Khartoum in 2015. This enabled the country’s ministry of health to pinpoint exactly where to run trachoma treatment programmes and offer life-changing support.
In 2016, we began to distribute medication to prevent and treat the disease in central, west and north Darfur – an area the size of France. In 2017 we helped to distribute almost 2 million antibiotic treatments for trachoma, and trained 2,600 local volunteers to give out the medication in their communities. Many of these are women, which enables them to visit homes that men may not otherwise be able to enter because of local customs and culture.
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How we’re making a difference
Adam Elkhair, Sightsavers’ programme officer in Sudan, explains how his home country has been destroyed by civil war – and how Sightsavers is helping to protect the sight of the people left behind.
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Abrehet’s story
A young mother with trachoma in Ethiopia experienced pain every time she blinked. A quick operation has saved her sight and relieved the constant pain.
Hibret’s story
When Hibret was diagnosed with trachoma, she was devastated to learn she had passed it to her children. But Sightsavers helped her family to be treated.
Rahel’s story
For five years, 18-year-old Rahel was in constant discomfort and fearful of bright light. After her trachoma operation, she is able to study again.
Bringing hope to Darfur: how mass drug administration is tackling trachoma
As a young man, my memories of Darfur are of it being one of the most beautiful areas of Sudan. Yet the situation changed quite quickly – almost overnight.
Sister Habiba’s story
Imagine having to walk eight hours to get to work. That’s the challenge facing Sister Habiba Shemsu, an eye care worker in south-west Ethiopia.
Issa’s story
Issa’s sight had been deteriorating for seven years, until a team from the Global Trachoma Mapping Project examined his eyes and referred him for treatment.
Unilever and Sightsavers team up to tackle trachoma in Ethiopia
Sightsavers is teaming up with Unilever’s soap brand Lifebuoy to promote better hygiene practices as part of efforts to eliminate trachoma in Ethiopia.
A brave new world of data
The Global Trachoma Mapping Project showed that public health can benefit from technology and standardisation to cut costs and respond to local needs.
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