Neglected tropical diseases

We help to treat and prevent five debilitating diseases that affect more than a billion people. These parasitic and bacterial infections are known as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

Neglected tropical diseases are a major cause of preventable blindness. They are most prevalent in rural regions, poor urban areas and conflict zones.

The diseases affect more than a billion people worldwide, and can cause severe and lifelong impairment.

Yet these diseases can be prevented, treated and eliminated.

CDO works with thousands of local volunteers to distribute millions of donated treatments to protect people against NTDs, and teach them about the importance of good hygiene to prevent infection.

Here you can find out more about the five neglected tropical diseases that Sightsavers works to treat and prevent (two of which are blinding, and three that are non-blinding), as well as the progress being made to combat them and, in some cases, eliminate them completely.

Trachoma

This infection can cause the eyelashes to turn inwards so they scrape on the eye. We distribute preventative medication and offer surgery for advanced trachoma.

Lymphatic filariasis

This disease, transmitted by mosquito, leads to painful disfigurement and abnormally enlarged body parts. Medication can protect people in high-risk areas.

Intestinal worms

Intestinal worms live in the digestive system, causing malnourishment and leaving people susceptible to illness. Good hygiene can stop the disease spreading.

Schistosomiasis

Known as ‘snail fever’, schistosomiasis can lead to pain, diarrhoea and even death. We help to treat school children and at-risk adults by providing medication.

CDO NTD treatments

CDO and partners have reached a historic milestone in the fight against neglected tropical diseases, with the thousands treatment delivered in 2000-2019.