British charity Sightsavers, which works to prevent blindness and for the inclusion of blind people in society, was selected for its programme for the treatment of trachoma, a chronic inflammatory bacterial disease that affects the eyelids and cornea and is related to poor hygiene.
The project is underway in 29 countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, where trachoma is most prevalent. Sightsavers also works in Mozambique, particularly in the north of the country, where most cases of trachoma are found.
According to the director of Sightsavers in Mozambique, Izidine Hassane, the prize “will give renewed strength” to the work under way.
“It means a lot to us. We feel honoured by this distinction from the Champalimaud Foundation,” he told Lusa News Agency.
CBM is a Christian development organisation that works to prevent blindness and promote the quality of life of disabled people in the world’s poorest countries.
The António Champalimaud Vision Prize, launched by the Foundation in 2006 is considered to be the largest prize in the field. Every two years it recognises scientific research on eye diseases and the work of institutions in the fight against blindness, particularly in developing countries.
The jury for the prize includes scientists and international personalities, including the UN secretary-general, António Guterres, Nobel Prize for Medicine Laureate. Susumu Tonegawa, the former President of the European Commission, Jacques Delors and ophthalmologist, José Cunha-Vaz.
The two charities will each receive €500,000.