What do an estimated 84 million people around the world have in common?

It is estimated that 84 million people worldwide have the active Trachoma infection - and most of these are children.

With the start of the dry season in many African countries, comes the increased threat of contracting the painful Trachoma eye infection.

Sudanese children recovering after their Trachoma operation
Sudanese children recovering after their trachoma operations. © CBM.

What is Trachoma?

Trachoma is a very painful disease that can scar the inside of your eyelid, so severely that the eyelid turns inwards and the eyelashes then scratch the cornea. After years of repeated infection, the victim may become permanently blind.

At this very moment, trachoma is hyperendemic in many of the poorest and underserved remote areas of our world, but did you know that you can stop trachoma in its tracks?

Global Elimination of Trachoma

Through the Global Elmination of Trachoma (GET) initiative, led by the World Health Organisation (WHO), along with the effective SAFE strategy, you can GET 2020 SAFE vision for children like nine year old Nyajani and their families.

Nyajani's Story

In the town of Ayod in Southern Sudan, Nyajani had been suffering from trachoma for three years. Without a lid rotation operation provided by a caring person like yourself, she would have been blind by the time she turned 14. CBM's Dr Karinya Lewis adds, "The restoration of Nyajani's sight has increased her confidence, her self-esteem and her hope for the future".

The SAFE strategy

Girl washing her face

SURGICAL INTERVENTION - a lid rotation operation will stabilise sight for someone in the advanced stages of the trachoma infection.
ANTIBIOTICS - a tube of Tetracycline eye ointment will treat an entire family in the early stages of the infection.
FACE WASHING and
ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES - our local health workers teach villagers about the importance of personal hygiene and sanitation.


  • With a gift of £10 you can give someone a life changing lid-rotation operation
  • By donating £30 you can pay to train a Health Worker who will then help to educate villagers on prevention.
  • For just £2 you can buy a tube of Tetracycline, which will treat a family in the early stages.

If you are able to make a donation of any amount, then you can do so via our online payment system. Alternatively, you can call 01223 484700 and speak to one of our Donor Support Team members who will be able to process your credit/debit card donation for you.

If you would like to give regularly to CBM UK, you can find the necessary Direct Debit form in our 'Donate' section.


back to TOP OF PAGE