Trachoma, an infectious eye disease, is most likely to cause blindness for women and girls in poor communities. But Sightsavers’ Accelerate programme is working to address this source of inequality.
Salamatu, a farmer from Katsina State in Nigeria, explains how the disease affected her daily life. “I would have a burning sensation in my eyes, so I would ask my child to remove it. They would get a comb and raise my eyelids before pulling my eyelashes out for me.”
Salamatu was suffering from the advanced form of trachoma, which is called trichiasis. This condition can cause permanent blindness if it is left untreated. Women are up to four times more likely than men to be blinded by trachoma due to social and cultural factors.
Trachoma disproportionately affects women and girls because of their typical role as caregivers, which means that they are more exposed to the bacteria that causes the condition. Women in some countries also find it more difficult to get treatment, as religious and cultural practices make it harder for them to travel away from home.
Salamatu had an operation to relieve her pain, yet countless other women are still waiting. Sightsavers is working with national health ministries to reach all women who are affected by trachoma, through initiatives such as the Accelerate programme – in line with our broader mission to promote health equality.
