More than 2.6 million people live in areas affected by trachoma. We’re working to eliminate the disease in Zambia by distributing medication, providing eye surgery and educating 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. We’ve carried out research into gender and eye health in Zambia to find out how eye problems affect men and women differently, and to learn how we can address these issues. By preventing blindness, we ensure that people can continue to take care of their families, support themselves and earn a living.
We also support inclusive education in Zambia to ensure children with disabilities are able to go to school. A new four-year project launches in February 2022 to improve educational opportunities for children and young people with disabilities in the Chinsali district.
In Singida, an inclusive eye health programme has made eye care services more affordable, sustainable and equitable. Here, four people involved with the project share their stories.
Sightsavers’ Edwin Maleko shares the impact of an inclusive eye health programme on communities and eye care services in Singida and Morogoro.
How an evaluation tool to assess children’s development has been adapted for young children with disabilities in Kenya.
In Nigeria and Kenya, two innovative education projects are enabling children with disabilities to reach their potential.
Dr Moira Chinthambi received a Sightsavers scholarship to train as an ophthalmologist and now works on our inclusive eye health programme in Malawi.
Alinafe Zaina is studying clinical ophthalmology in Malawi with the help of a scholarship provided by Sightsavers’ inclusive eye health programme.
We’re working with partners in Kenya to give young people the skills and practical experience they need to begin a career in IT.
We’re working with governments in Uganda and Malawi to improve access to quality eye care services and prevent avoidable blindness.
In Malawi, we work with partners to ensure young children with disabilities can learn, play and develop alongside their peers.