Women are two-to-four times more likely to be affected by blinding trachoma than men. In collaboration with our local partners, we have provided approximately 150,000 trachoma-related surgeries, of which 70% were performed on women and girls.
Orbis Ethiopia also works with Health Extension Workers and the Health Development Army who are dedicated members of their communities who spread health education messages - particularly around the World Health Organization's SAFE approach to help prevent infection.
Many Health Extension Workers and Health Development Army personnel are women and can speak with mothers, children and entire households to share important information around prevention, as well as help distribute antibiotics which help prevent trachoma.