We work with the government and partners in Zimbabwe and across Africa to provide inclusive eye care, protect communities from trachoma and ensure people with disabilities can thrive.
Sightsavers in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa with a turbulent past.
Despite high rates of inflation, the country’s economy is slowly growing thanks to its rich natural resources. Many people in Zimbabwe are employed in agricultural or mining work, and the country’s main exports include precious stones, metals and minerals, cotton and tobacco.
In the 1980s, the government established a universal health care system. But after years of economic turmoil and budget cuts, it lacks basic medicines and qualified staff, leading those who can afford it to use private health care.
Zimbabwe is taking strides to address social stigma and discrimination around disability. President Emmerson Mnangagwa launched the country’s national disability policy in June 2021, which aims to improve life for people with disabilities.
Facts about Zimbabwe
- Population: 15 million
- Capital: Harare
- Official languages: Shona, English and 14 others
- Human development index (HDI) ranking: 146 (medium)
There are only 27 ophthalmologists in Zimbabwe
Trachoma is most prevalent in rural areas of the country
11% of people are thought to have a disability
Sources: IAPB,
Ophthalmic Epidemiology, Disability Data Portal
Grasslands in Mashonaland, Zimbabwe.
What are the challenges in Zimbabwe, and how can these be addressed?
Eye care
Zimbabwe’s health care system lacks skilled staff and essential resources.
Many of Zimbabwe’s health care staff have emigrated, causing chronic staffing shortages in the sector. Sightsavers’ charity work in the country aims to develop a sustainable eye health service that can help prevent blindness and disability.
Infectious diseases
People in Zimbabwe are at high risk of catching painful, debilitating diseases.
Trachoma, river blindness, schistosomiasis and intestinal worms are all endemic in the country. Our work on neglected tropical diseases in Zimbabwe focuses on treating and preventing trachoma.
Inclusion and equality
People with disabilities in Zimbabwe often struggle to claim their human rights.
Social stigma and discrimination around disability prevent people from accessing opportunities equally. Our charity work on disability rights in Zimbabwe focuses on improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
A man smiles, wearing a yellow Sightsavers tshirt.
“It makes me very happy to see a child with trachoma being treated, because I know the impact it will have on their life, wellbeing and welfare.”
Ophthalmic nurse Givemore
How you can help
Our charity work in Zimbabwe helps protect people from trachoma, but there’s still more we need to do.
With your support, we want to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem in the country by 2030 and ensure quality eye care services are available for everyone. To do this, we need your help.
Charity donations, legacies, corporate partnerships and gifts from charitable foundations are a vital source of funding for our programmes in Zimbabwe. We also welcome opportunities to work in partnership with governments, institutions and development organisations.
Contact us: If you have any questions about our work in Zimbabwe, would like more details about our programmes or how you can donate or support us, email ask-zimbabwe@sightsavers.org
Latest stories from Zimbabwe
“Now my sight has improved, I hope to earn more”
Maria was able to return to work as a basket weaver and support her family after receiving treatment for advanced trachoma.
“The best part of my job is seeing someone’s life transformed”
Ophthalmic nurse Jeremiah Gwafa was first inspired to work in eye health as a child, after seeing the impact of blindness on his own family.
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