In Ethiopia, many barriers particularly prevent women from accessing eye care services. Without targeted efforts to provide eye services for women, gender-based disparities in vision loss will persist. Orbis is committed to bridging this gender blindness gap by prioritising the sight-saving needs of women and girls. With your support, Orbis will provide 900 pairs of glasses to empower women and girls, enabling them to pursue education and work independently, reducing their reliance on others.
Vision loss is driven by inequality. Women are 12% more likely to experience vision loss than men. Traditional gender roles put women and girls at a higher risk of infectious eye diseases like trachoma, as diseases are easily spread between mother and child. Sadly, in Ethiopia, 50% of children who become blind will die within two years. Orbis is dedicated to changing this reality by eliminating trachoma in Ethiopia.
Orbis implements an inclusive community-based program that aims to eradicate trachoma for everyone, with a specific focus on women and girls. Orbis will ensure that women are reached with vital health education, and treatment necessary, so that they can protect themselves, and their children, from trachoma. With your help, over the next three years, Orbis will provide over 900 glasses to women and girls to ensure the next generations grow up without the threat of blindness.
Providing girls in school with glasses is invaluable as it allows them to overcome vision barriers and fully engage in education. With a clear vision, girls can actively participate in class, read, and see the blackboard clearly, enabling them to pursue their dreams. With gender-equitable programming, it is possible to reduce exposure to trachoma risk factors, increase access to preventive and curative health services, and build local capacity to sustain long-term reductions in trachoma.
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