2001-07-0323 Years
Developing Communities

Collaborative Efforts to Eliminate Blinding Trachoma: Alwaleed Philanthropies “Global” and The Carter Centre, Join Forces for a Visionary Mission

Alwaleed Philanthropies supports healing from granular ophthalmia initiative (Trachoma)
Ethiopia
Location

Ethiopia, Niger, South Sudan, and Sudan

Duration

2001 - 2024

Beneficiaries

Total (2001–2024):

  • 10,000 surgeries
  • 807,082 antibiotic doses
2024 Only

• 10,000 surgeries

• 500,000 antibiotic doses

In partnership with

A Step Toward Eliminating Infectious Blindness

Trachoma is the leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide—a preventable and treatable eye infection that continues to threaten the vision of an estimated 125 million people living in endemic regions. In response, The Carter Center, in partnership with Alwaleed Philanthropies “Global” and the Amhara Regional Health Bureau, has implemented an ambitious and long-term program to eliminate blinding trachoma in Ethiopia’s Amhara region.

Strategic Vision: Aiming for Eradication

The collaboration’s core mission is to eliminate blinding trachoma as a public health concern. This is being achieved through the comprehensive SAFE strategy, which includes:

  • Surgery for trichiasis (TT), the blinding stage of trachoma
  • Antibiotics to treat active infections
  • Facial cleanliness to reduce disease transmission
  • Environmental improvements to address the root causes of infection

This multifaceted approach has proven effective in combatting the disease, significantly reducing new infections, and laying the groundwork for long-term elimination.

Making a Difference in Ethiopia

Since its launch in 2001, the program has created a profound and lasting impact in the Amhara region. With a focus on both medical treatment and behavioral change, the initiative has reached millions.

Reaching Those in Need

A total of 797,082 surgeries have been performed to address trachoma-related visual impairment. In 2023 alone, the program conducted 50,944 surgeries—a testament to its scale and effectiveness.

Power of Medication

Antibiotic distribution remains a cornerstone of the intervention. In 2023, over 4.4 million antibiotic doses were administered, curbing the spread of the infection and providing essential relief to affected communities.

Promoting Hygiene and Education

Sustainable change requires education. The program has provided hygiene awareness and facial cleanliness training across 3,871 kebeles and over 8,700 schools, empowering more than 19,000 educators to advocate for healthy practices and behavioral change within their communities.

2024 Achievements

With the successful completion of the project in 2024, several milestones were achieved:

  • 9,805 trachoma surgeries conducted globally
  • 489,656 individuals received antibiotic treatment
  • In Amhara, 5,861 surgeries were performed—64% of recipients were women, marking a strategic effort to address gender-based disparities in treatment
  • In South Sudan, the program expanded to nine counties, delivering:
  • 2,119 trachoma surgeries
  • 1,825 cataract surgeries
  • A baseline trachoma map was completed for South Sudan, enhancing data accuracy for future planning and disease control

Looking Ahead

With over two decades of dedicated intervention, the Trachoma Control Program leaves behind a strong legacy of impact and hope. Through the collaborative efforts of The Carter Center, Alwaleed Philanthropies “Global”, and local health authorities, communities have been empowered, lives have been transformed, and the path toward a trachoma-free future has been firmly laid. Together, we have taken a decisive step toward a world where preventable blindness is a thing of the past, and every individual has the opportunity to live with vision, dignity, and health.

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