Context

Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries with a population over 164 million. Extreme poverty, inequality and poor healthcare has resulted in more than 6 million people, including 1.3 million children, living with visual impairments caused by cataract and refractive error, yet both conditions can easily be treated. More than 1 million people have become irreversibly blind, with 80% of cases caused by cataracts. Bangladesh has one of the highest percentages of untreated cataracts in the world.

 

Supported Project

In 2021-2022, L'OCCITANE Ireland and the L'OCCITANE Foundation have partnered with Sightsavers to support its project aiming to develop comprehensive eye health services in some of the most remote areas of Bangladesh where there are multiple barriers to accessing eye care, including gender inequality, poverty and marginalisation.

Working in 16 districts across Bangladesh, including Mymensingh and Sherpur, this project is designed to provide accessible eye care to prevent avoidable blindness and visual impairment. There is a specific focus on reaching vulnerable people and those who encounter barriers to basic health care services, including women, people with disabilities and other marginalized groups such as the LGBTQ+ community.

Some Figures

Budget 20,000 euros

Results 273,585 beneficiaries

History of the Partnership

L'OCCITANE Ireland and the L'OCCITANE Foundation already partnered with Sigthsavers in 2020-2021 to support its project aiming to combat preventable childhood blindness in Pakistan. Discover more about it here.

Photos Credit: Sightsavers Ireland