Zambia
Sightsavers is working towards eliminating blinding trachoma in Zambia. In 2018, we distributed more than 1.1 million treatments to help control the spread of the disease.
Two-thirds of Zambia’s population live in poverty, and it’s thought that one in 10 people has some form of visual impairment.
Almost 20 per cent of the population live in areas affected by blinding trachoma. This infectious disease starts out a bit like conjunctivitis, but if it’s not treated it causes scarring to the eyelid that makes the eyelashes turn inward, so with every blink they scrape against the eye. We’re working to eliminate the disease in Zambia by distributing medication, providing eye surgery and educating local communities about the importance of good hygiene.
Our work in the country also involves making sure eye health services are available for everyone, particularly marginalised groups such as women and people with disabilities. By preventing blindness, we ensure that people can continue to take care of their families, support themselves and earn a living.
At a glance
Total populationWhat we focus on
Key programmes
How we’re making a difference in Zambia
Reaching remote areas
Mr Ndalela is the only eye surgeon in Senanga who can carry out tricky procedures. He’s able to build close relationships within the community.
Read Mr Ndalela’s story
Fighting disease
Namukolo had trachoma, and her eyes were causing her immense pain. After treatment, the pain is gone and she can return to school with her friends.
Read Namukolo’s story
Training health workers
Sightsavers' Alistair Burnett visited a hospital in southern Zambia to learn how six weeks of training for health staff can improve eye care for all.
Read Alistair’s trip report
Your donation could help to protect sight
DONATEMore from eastern Africa
Sightsavers petition calls on government of Malawi to protect people with albinism
It is estimated that there are over 134,600 people with albinism living in Malawi, many of whom face deep-seated discrimination.
Treating hard-to-reach people: what we’ve learned from CATCH
The Coordinated Approach to Community Health programme, which finished in March 2019, has restored the sight of more than 21,000 people and generated a wealth of knowledge.
Meeting Kenya’s health heroes
Sightsavers’ Julie Jenner meets the teachers and students who are fighting disease and preventing blindness by teaching children about good hygiene.
April updates: highlights from around the world
A round-up of the latest work that your donations help to support, including news from Pakistan, Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire.
“Nothing about us without us”: improving access to health care in Mozambique
Through Sightsavers’ inclusive health project in Nampula, Camilo Morreira shares his work to ensure that health care facilities are accessible for people with disabilities.
March updates: highlights from around the world
News about Sightsavers' fundraising gala in Dubai, plus updates from Sierra Leone, Zambia and Mozambique.
Reaching Ruangwa: an epic journey to help save sight
Sightsavers’ Jo Howard travels across rural Tanzania with an eye health team to see how far they must go to treat trachoma in the most remote communities.
Spring appeal
Forgotten, isolated and devastated by blinding trachoma. Will you help save the sight of a family like Bibie’s?
Sightsavers marks 50th anniversary of Mount Kilimanjaro expedition
On 20 February 1969, Sightsavers supported men with visual impairments on an expedition to raise awareness about blindness.
We save sight in 30 countries worldwide
Where we work