More than 4.5 million people in sub-Saharan Africa have some form of avoidable blindness. Only ten percent of children with disabilities attend school. Light for the World Belgium has been fighting against this injustice for more than 25 years. Together, we make a visible difference!
Avoidable blindness and poverty: a vicious cycle
Poverty is both cause and consequence of a visual impairment. When a person lives in poverty, access to eye care becomes hampered due to, among others, a lack of financial resources and adequate information. However, 90% of all forms of vision loss are avoidable or can be treated.
In Light for the World’s field of action, one of the main causes of blindness consists of untreated cataract. Yet, this eye disease is curable with a relatively simple procedure. This is why we speak of avoidable blindness.
In turn, experiencing a visual impairment is a primary cause of poverty. Persons with disabilities face stigma, discrimination and marginalisation in all facets of life. As a result, they are often excluded from the labour market and education, leading to a loss of income. This complicates access to healthcare. The link becomes clear: avoidable blindness and poverty reinforce each other.
Together, we push for change and break this vicious cycle.
What does Light for the World Belgium do?
Light for the World is a recognised Belgian NGO that, together with partners in Congo, Rwanda and Tanzania, fights avoidable blindness and promotes the inclusion of people with a visual impairment. We do this by ensuring access to quality eye care for all and by investing in inclusive education for children and teens with a visual impairment.
Local partner organisations play a central role in Light for the World’s programmes. In DR Congo, Rwanda and Tanzania, we support them financially, technically and organisationally. Together, we guarantee optimal services for blind and partially sighted people.
In Belgium and Europe, the organisation creatively addresses this situation and possible solutions. We realise this goal together with like-minded organisations in Belgium and other European countries.
