More than 2.6 million people live in areas affected by trachoma. This infectious disease starts out 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 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.
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. Read our report on gender and eye health in Zambia (pdf)
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
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
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
Three Sightsavers nominees from Tanzania have received recognition in the 2020 IAPB Vision Excellence awards.
As the 17-year-long Seeing is Believing project comes to an end, Imran Khan goes behind the scenes to reveal why it has made such an impact.
Following rigorous safety measures, we have been able to restart our work fighting disease and saving sight all over the world.
Meet the teams that Sightsavers partners with around the world to help them foster more disability inclusive workplaces.
It is important to ensure gender balance and equity to ensure that women have the right to a voice.
A selection of Sightsavers river blindness photographs featured as part of the Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD) conference.
"Had my white cane given me COVID-19? I began resenting it, but it was not possible to do away with it. The more ill I became, the more I needed it."
Moses Chege, Sightsavers Kenya country director, explains how Sightsavers and partners were able to reach the worst-effected people suffering from trachoma.
Sightsavers staff provide a first-hand insight into our work with ministries of health, partner hospitals and volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic.