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You can help us make history

Five years ago, Sightsavers CEO Dr Caroline Harper gave a TED talk in which she pitched the audacious idea to eliminate trachoma.

Will you be part of history by helping us banish this blinding disease for good?

Trachoma is a painful eye disease that has plagued humanity for thousands of years, destroying lives and trapping people in poverty. But it can be treated, cured and prevented from recurring.

Since 2018, when Sightsavers CEO Caroline Harper delivered her TED talk, our Accelerate programme has protected 14 million people from trachoma. We’ve also helped Ghana, The Gambia and Malawi to eliminate the disease.

Yet there are still at least 39 countries that count trachoma as a public health problem, meaning more than 103 million people are still at risk.

The impact of eliminating trachoma goes beyond individual people. Banishing the disease ensures children can go to school and fulfil their potential. It reduces the burden of care on women, who are almost twice as likely to go blind from the disease than men. And it ensures adults can earn an income to support their families, helping to improve the economy.

All of this takes us closer to achieving universal health coverage, fulfilling the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and creating a more equal world.

Watch the video to see Caroline Harper’s TED talk and learn more about her ambitious plan to eliminate trachoma.

A young boy smiles up at his mother. They're both wearing colourful clothing.

I’d like to get involved...

Learn how you can join our fight to eliminate trachoma for good.

Our CEO reflects on progress made since her TED talk

Read the blog

How is trachoma treated?

A child in Senegal holds antibiotic tablets in his hand.

Antibiotics

Antibiotic tablets, donated by pharmaceutical company Pfizer, are used to treat the trachoma infection. This treatment is usually repeated annually for up to five years.

A group of surgeons in a hospital setting performing an operation.

Surgery

Advanced trachoma (known as trichiasis) can cause the eyelashes to turn inwards. An operation stops the eyelashes rubbing against the eyeball, and can stop people going blind.

A boy washes his face to prevent the spread of trachoma infection.

Cleanliness and hygiene

Communities are encouraged to change the behaviour that can put them at risk of trachoma, and are taught about the importance of face washing, hygiene and sanitation.

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Learn more about trachoma, and how we’re tackling it

What is trachoma?
Former trachoma patient Achiwa smiles.

“My life is restored! Now I can see, I am able to work again.”

Former trachoma patient Achiwa smiles.
Hear first-hand how life has transformed for patients like Achiwa now that trachoma has been eliminated in Malawi. Read our letters from Malawi

Donate today to help us banish trachoma for good

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