We work with the government and partners in Benin and countries across Africa to deliver vital charity work and protect people from neglected tropical diseases.
Sightsavers in Benin
Benin, located in West Africa, has a young population. Most citizens are aged between 15 and 35 years old, and agriculture is the main source of income.
While the health care system has improved in recent years, low investment means there is a lack of qualified staff, and resources such as medical equipment and medicines are scarce.
People living in rural areas often struggle to access quality eye care, which means many people have cataracts.
In May 2023, with support from Sightsavers and partners, Benin announced it had eliminated trachoma. Now, our work on neglected tropical diseases in the country focuses on fighting river blindness and lymphatic filariasis.
Facts about Benin
- Population: 14 million
- Capital: Porto-Novo
- Official language: French
- Human development index (HDI) ranking: 166 (low)
Adou stands in a lush green field with two cows.
What are the challenges in Benin, and how can these be addressed?
Infectious diseases
Neglected tropical diseases pose a high risk to people in Benin, with the potential to cause serious illness and disability.
River blindness and lymphatic filariasis are endemic in many areas of Benin, and Sightsavers’ charity work in the country focuses on preventing, treating and eliminating these two infectious diseases. Schistosomiasis and intestinal worms are also widespread in the country.
Adou smiles outside his home.
“After the bandage was removed, I rode my motorcycle back home. Now I can see a lot. Now I can look at the sun!”
Adou from Borgou was treated for advanced trachoma
How you can help
Our work in Benin helped to eliminate trachoma, but there’s still more we need to do.
With your support, we want to eliminate river blindness and lymphatic filariasis in Benin, so no one is at risk of losing their sight or developing a long-term condition from contracting these diseases. To do this, we need your help.
Charity donations, legacies, corporate partnerships and gifts from charitable foundations are a vital source of funding for our programmes in Benin. We also welcome opportunities to work in partnership with governments, institutions and development organisations.
Contact us: If you have any questions about our work in Benin, would like more information about our programmes or wish to discuss ways you can donate or support us, email ask-benin@sightsavers.org
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