WASHing away blinding trachoma

Trachoma is an infectious eye disease that is one of the world’s leading causes of preventable blindness.

It is one of 17 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that affect more than 1 billion of the world’s poorest people. Yet we have the tools to prevent transmission of trachoma, and to eliminate blinding trachoma by 2020.

Improved access to safe water and adequate sanitation, and the implementation of good hygiene practices, are essential for trachoma prevention and control.

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Neglected tropical diseases
A woman wearing medical examination glasses shines a torch into a young girl's eyes to check for trachoma.

Global trachoma initiative supports its 60th country

The survey team in Bolivia trekked through the Amazon rainforest to collect data about the infectious eye disease from indigenous groups living in remote areas.

November 2025
Two health care workers walk through the streets during a mass drug administration campaign for trachoma in Egypt.

Egypt eliminates trachoma, a disease first recorded by ancient Egyptians

Thanks to the support of Sightsavers and other partners, more than two million people in Egypt are no longer at risk of losing their sight to trachoma.

November 2025
A man wearing a beanie hat smiles while sitting on a hospital bed.
Sightsavers blog

Reaching the Last Mile Fund is advancing health equity in Africa

By prioritising marginalised groups, we’re helping to ensure that everyone can access treatment for river blindness and lymphatic filariasis.

Sunday Isiyaku, September 2025