Disability rights and inclusion

An estimated 1.3 billion people – or 16% of the global population – experience a significant disability today. This number is growing because of an increase in non-communicable diseases and people living longer. Persons with disabilities are a diverse group, and factors such as sex, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, race, ethnicity, and economic situation affect their experiences in life and their health needs. Persons with disabilities die earlier, have poorer health, and experience more limitations in everyday functioning than others.

Empowering Lives Through Vision, Unity, and Care

Discover our commitment to fostering a brighter future for all.

Eyesight

There are 43.3 million people around the world living with blindness. Almost 90% of these people live in developing countries. Blindness means that children can’t go to school, providers can’t work to support their families, and older people lose their independence. The good news is that 80% of blindness is preventable, treatable, or manageable.

People with Albinism

Albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited difference present at birth. In almost all types of albinism, both parents must carry the gene for it to be passed on, even if they do not have albinism themselves. The condition is much more prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, with estimates of 1 in 1,400 people being affected in Tanzania and prevalence as high as 1 in 1,000 reported for select populations in Zimbabwe and for other specific ethnic groups in Southern Africa.

Clubfoot

Clubfoot is one of the most common birth defects and a major cause of physical disability globally. The vast majority of cases are diagnosed at birth and occur in otherwise healthy babies. The highest prevalence rates were observed in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in the Southeast Asia Region and the Africa region.

Intervention

We collaborate with local partners to conduct community sensitization, advocate for inclusion, provide eye screenings, and offer free treatment and glasses to children with vision impairments. Furthermore we provide low-cost or free treatment for children with clubfoot using the Ponseti method and sunscreen for people with Albinism.