Tanzania
Sightsavers has been working in Tanzania since the 1970s to protect sight and prevent blinding diseases. In 2017, we helped to carry out 9,000 sight-saving operations in the country.
In Tanzania, many people live in poorer or more remote areas and access to healthcare can be difficult.
All five of the most common neglected tropical diseases are present here: trachoma, river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis (known as ‘snail fever’), and soil-transmitted helminths (aka worms).
Sightsavers has been working in the country since the 1970s, helping to support and strengthen local eye care systems to tackle preventable blindness. We provide specialist training for health workers, increase public awareness of eye care and lobby the government to ensure eye care is universally available.
Our programmes in Tanzania mainly focus on preventing and treating trachoma, and providing cataract operations for those who need them. We also work to promote equal opportunities for people with disabilities.
At a glance
Total populationWhat we focus on
Key programmes
How we’re making a difference in Tanzania
Treating cataracts
Two-year-old Bakir was born with cataracts that severely affected his sight. But a straightforward operation restored his vision and his hope.
Read Bakir’s story
Fighting trachoma
After having an operation to treat trachoma, Fatuma learned about the importance of washing her face to prevent the disease reoccuring.
Read about trachoma prevention
Reaching everyone
Sightsavers’ Sarah Filbey visited an island near Zanzibar to find out how we’re helping to restore sight in remote, far-flung communities.
Read about Sarah’s trip
Your donation could help to protect sight
DONATEMore from Tanzania
How water is vital to fight trachoma
To mark World Water Week 2018, Sightsavers’ NTD Programme Officer Cade Howard shares tips from the field about how water can help to eliminate this painful, blinding disease.
February highlights: updates from around the world
Including news from India, where women with disabilities took part in a running event to raise awareness of women’s health.
Keeping up political momentum on disability and development
By hosting a summit, the UK government is committing to making disability-inclusive development a global priority. We must make sure this political momentum is not lost.
How field surveys can help us fight trachoma
In February 2017, Sightsavers supported our partners with the ambitious task of conducting field surveys for trachoma in Tanzania, Uganda and Malawi.
Restoring sight on a remote island
Sightsavers’ Sarah Filbey visits a training session for primary school teachers in Zanzibar, as they learn how to support students with visual impairments.
Sightsavers CEO hails progress on tackling NTDs in East Africa
Dr Caroline Harper visited Tanzania and Uganda this week to highlight the advances being made to eliminate blinding trachoma.
Saidi’s story
Saidi’s cataracts were stopping him from going to school. Donate today and you could help more children like Saidi get an education.
Asha’s story
Asha was bullied by other children because of her cataracts. But a straightforward operation restored her sight, her confidence and her hope for the future.
Bakir’s story
Two-year-old Bakir was born with cataracts in both eyes. He’s a happy, confident toddler who’s adored by his family, but they all worry about him.
We save sight in 30 countries worldwide
Where we work