It takes a community

Your kind gift can provide a joyful new start for more children with trachoma, like Sarah.

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It takes a community to end trachoma

Trachoma is an infectious eye disease that, for thousands of years, has caused people to go blind. By working together, we can treat, prevent and eliminate it.

In Zambia, children with trachoma have eyes so itchy and painful that they are unable to go to school. They spend their days indoors, away from the sunlight, missing out on the joys of childhood – and they risk missing out on the opportunities that education can provide. Adults with trachoma who have been isolated from their communities are unable to make a living.

The SAFE strategy is supported by the World Health Organization to eliminate trachoma and is implemented by local teams in all the countries where Sightsavers operates.

Many families are still waiting for treatment – and without it, trachoma can lead to permanent blindness. Meet some of the people affected by trachoma, and the health workers who are helping to eliminate it.

Lupula is wearing a green t-shirt and holding Sarah, aged 17 months, on her hip. Sarah is wearing a white cardigan and looking slightly off to the side.

Sarah and Lupula

At just 17 months old, Sarah, from western Zambia, was suffering from trachoma. Her eyes were swollen and itchy, and she stayed close to her mother Lupula.

Zita sits outside in a rural village in Zambia. She wears a white t-shirt and red skirt.

Zita

For more than 20 years, Zita has worked in Zambia as a health worker, contributing to public education. In recent years, prolonged drought has led to a lack of clean water and the spread of trachoma in her community.

Restman wears a yellow Sightsavers t-shirt and smiles at the camera.

Restman

Restman is a clinical ophthalmic officer and trachoma surgeon who is committed to restoring vision and preventing blindness.

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How we eliminate trachoma: the SAFE strategy

Surgery

Surgery is essential in advanced trachoma to avoid irreversible damage.

Antibiotics

Mass distribution treats trachoma and protects communities from the infection.

Face

Improved hygiene and sanitation prevent the spread of the disease.

Environment

Better access to clean water means fewer flies carrying the infection.

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