Charity evaluator GiveWell has once again named Sightsavers one of its top charities for its work to treat intestinal worms.

GiveWell is a non-profit group that rates the effectiveness of global charities each year and promotes them to donors. The criteria focus on impact, cost-effectiveness and transparency.

Sightsavers has been rated for its work tackling parasitic worm infections in children, a process known as deworming. With treatment, infections such as schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helmiths can be treated and prevented effectively. GiveWell has judged Sightsavers’ deworming work an outstanding opportunity for donors to make a difference with their contributions.

Ndellejong Cosmas Ejong, Sightsavers technical advisor for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths, said: “These diseases are highly infectious and, if left untreated, can become debilitating. They can be particularly detrimental to children’s development, affecting their health and their ability to concentrate and do well at school. By working with local partners and in schools, we can make sure that children living in endemic areas have access to treatment.”

A high proportion of those affected are school-age children. Schistosomiasis can cause stomach problems and affect physical development, preventing a child from going to school. Soil-transmitted helmiths (intestinal worms) affect more than 1.5 billion people worldwide, mainly those from isolated communities. Yet these infections are treatable.

Sightsavers CEO Dr Caroline Harper said: “GiveWell’s assessment is rigorous, so we are proud to be one of its top charities for the fourth year. More than 4.5 million children have already received treatment as a result of GiveWell’s funding, and with its continued support, our deworming work can reach even more children.”