Clean water, clear vision: The link between water and eye health

At first, a trachoma infection looks a bit like a case of pink eye: red, irritated eyes, maybe some swelling and discharge. But for many people in the world, a trachoma infection is a serious concern. If left untreated, it can lead to severe pain, vision loss and even blindness. The bacteria that cause trachoma… Continue reading Clean water, clear vision: The link between water and eye health

Gender inequalities in vision loss

Taking a closer look at the connections between avoidable vision loss and gender inequalities The oldest of five children, Thandiwe in Zambia has always looked after her younger siblings. When the village borehole broke down, she had to fetch water from the river, and her family couldn’t wash as often. Thandiwe noticed some of her… Continue reading Gender inequalities in vision loss

Healthy students, healthy futures

At Abichikili Secondary School, in Ethiopia’s state of Amhara, improving sanitation through access to clean water and bathroom facilities, along with education programs for students, has improved attendance rates for girls. Find out how.

Every parent wants their child to be safe, happy and healthy at school – Abichikili Secondary School is no exception.  It’s one of five schools across Ethiopia’s state of Amhara where the attendance rate for girls decreases each year due to inaccessibility of clean water and bathroom facilities.  “Students had to walk for more than… Continue reading Healthy students, healthy futures

Fresh water, fresh starts

Thanks to our donors and our local partners, the village of Lukanda B now has access to fresh, clean water. For children, especially girls, this means the opportunity to attend and excel in school, rather than hauling water for their families long distances. Proper hygiene also prevents the spread of blinding trachoma.

For the community of Lukanda B in central Zambia, the rehabilitation of the local water borehole has brought new life to the village. It is one of 38 boreholes in Kapiri Mposhi District that Operation Eyesight repaired in 2022, thanks to a team of pump minders we have trained in the area. Locally available, safe… Continue reading Fresh water, fresh starts