Our work in Zambia
Sightsavers is working towards eliminating blinding trachoma in Zambia. Each year, we distribute hundreds of thousands of treatments to help control the spread of the disease and protect people’s sight.
Two-thirds of Zambia’s population live in poverty, and it’s thought that one in 10 people has some form of visual impairment.
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.
At a glance
Total populationWhat we focus on
Key programmes
Previous 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
The Super School of Five project teaches children about the importance of hygiene to help stop the spread of trachoma.
Read about the project
Protecting sight
Sightsavers’ Corinna May visited nine-year-old Lovemore in eastern Zambia to find out how cataract surgery has transformed his life.
Read Corinna’s blog
Your donation could help to protect sight
DONATEMore from eastern Africa
A day in the life: “You really feel that you’ve made a difference”
Dr Moira Chinthambi received a Sightsavers scholarship to train as an ophthalmologist and now works on our inclusive eye health programme in Malawi.
A day in the life: “I’ve wanted to do this for a long time”
Alinafe Zaina is studying clinical ophthalmology in Malawi with the help of a scholarship provided by Sightsavers’ inclusive eye health programme.
We are… training young people with disabilities
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 are… creating inclusive eye health services
We’re working with governments in Uganda and Malawi to improve access to quality eye care services and prevent avoidable blindness.
We are… ensuring pre-schools are inclusive
In Malawi, we work with partners to ensure young children with disabilities can learn, play and develop alongside their peers.
Letters from Malawi
Hear first-hand how people’s lives have been transformed now that trachoma has been eliminated in the country.
Trachoma is eliminated in Malawi
Malawi has become the first country in southern Africa to eliminate the infectious eye disease trachoma, as confirmed by the World Health Organization.
Priscilla's story
Dr Priscilla Mhango is an eye health hero, saving sight in Malawi. She’s one of the talented cataract surgeons whose training was supported by Sightsavers.
“I’m so happy I can see my grandfather again!”
Mary has regained her sight and independence after a successful cataracts operation, enabling her to return to school and play with other children.
We save sight in 30 countries worldwide
Where we work