Sightsavers has unveiled a display at the Expo exhibition in Dubai to showcase its innovative work to beat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

The display shows how Sightsavers and its partners are using mobile technology to combat diseases such as trachoma and river blindness. It is part of the Expo’s Global Best Practice programme, which highlights projects with sustainable solutions from around the world that could be expanded elsewhere.

Sightsavers’ stand, which runs until 28 February, showcases apps such as the TT Tracker, which helps surgeons to collect and analyse information about trachoma operations so patients get the aftercare they need. Country governments can also use the data to inform their future work and support the goal of eliminating trachoma.

Sightsavers’ work also features in the Malawi country pavilion. The pavilion follows the story of a young rural child who is given the right tools to thrive, representing the journey of Malawi as a nation.

To raise awareness of global work to eliminate NTDs, the Dubai Expo building in Al Wasl Plaza will also be lit up on 30 January to mark World NTD Day.

Dubai Expo opened in the United Arab Emirates in October 2021 to showcase the achievements of nations from around the world, covering arts, culture, science and technology. The theme for the Expo is ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, divided into the sub-themes of opportunity, mobility and sustainability.

The event was originally set to launch in 2020, but was rescheduled because of the COVID-19 pandemic and will now run until April 2022.