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.

Asha runs down the road outside her home in Zanzibar days after a successful bilateral cataract operation.

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.

We really appreciate all supporters who are contributing to Sightsavers. We can see the impact of what they’re doing.

Dr Nyaluke, ophthalmologist in Tanzania

How we’re making a difference in Tanzania

Bakir Rashid, 2, smiles as he walks with his father on a family outing to the beach days after a successful bilateral cataract operation.

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

Fatuma sits quietly on a chair outside her home. Her eyes look sore and swollen.

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

Sightsavers employee Sarah sitting on a boat with 12 other people.

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

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More from Tanzania

Aluna holds Bibie outside their house in Tanzania.

Appeals /

Forgotten, isolated and devastated by blinding trachoma. Will you help save the sight of a family like Bibie’s?

Old black and white photo showing a group of young men on a mountain slope.

News / Disability rights /

On 20 February 1969, Sightsavers supported men with visual impairments on an expedition to raise awareness about blindness.

Zuhara from Tanzania stands outside her primary school

Stories / Fighting disease /

With your support, we're determined to eliminate trachoma in Tanzania by 2020, saving sight and transforming lives.

A group of patients in Kenya smile and laugh following their cataract surgery.

From the field /

In October, celebrations took place in many of Sightsavers' programme countries to mark World Sight Day. Plus news from Kenya, Mozambique and more.

A woman in Tanzania splashes water on her face from a metal bucket.

From the field / Fighting disease /

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.

Women line up on the start line of the Raipur running event.

From the field /

Including news from India, where women with disabilities took part in a running event to raise awareness of women’s health.

Blogs / Disability rights /

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.

A riverbed with green bushes and trees at its edges.

Blogs / Fighting disease /

In February 2017, Sightsavers supported our partners with the ambitious task of conducting field surveys for trachoma in Tanzania, Uganda and Malawi.

From the field / Eye health /

Sightsavers’ Sarah Filbey visits a training session for primary school teachers in Zanzibar, as they learn how to support students with visual impairments.

We save sight in 30 countries worldwide

Where we work

We work to eliminate avoidable blindness and promote the rights of people with disabilities.

Find out how your support can make a huge difference and change lives.

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.