Many people in Mali go blind from the disease trachoma. But thanks to the gift of donated soap distributed by World Vision, families in 100 villages across this West African country can now wash their hands and face to keep their eyes safe.

July 2010

By Justin Douglass, World Vision Mali. Edited by Meghan Bardwell, World Vision U.S.

The sun burns with heat, but people still crowd outside in the village of Omondorou, waiting for their names to be called. They watch intently as a man and child cradle the little round objects and square boxes given to them by a World Vision volunteer.

Away from the crowd, a 6-year-old boy beams as he crouches on the ground and rubs the foamy white lather clinging to his hands.

All of this excitement...for soap.

A simple but critical gift

It may seem boring — like getting socks in a Christmas stocking rather than candy. But for thousands of people in Mali, soap can mean the difference between seeing or going blind.

Trachoma is a painful disease that causes swollen eyelids and scarring on the corneas that can lead to blindness. Limited access to clean water and poor sanitation makes trachoma a common problem for people in villages like Omondorou.

All it can take to prevent this disease is a bar of soap and a little water.

Knowing the danger of trachoma, families in Omondorou were thrilled to receive the precious bars of soap from World Vision, some using them right away. The distribution was made possible through World Vision’s partnership with generous corporations, who donate top-quality products like these to benefit children, families, and communities in need.

Yacouba Togo, a 5-year-old boy, tried out the soap, taking special care to wash his eyes and face. He happily shared his experience: “When I use soap, I feel good; when I am dirty, I don’t feel well.”

“We are glad to get soap so that we can be clean,” said Bakary Togo, Yacouba’s father.

A future with vision

Yacouba’s family was one of more than 9,000 families in 100 villages throughout Mali that received soap from World Vision. Volunteers also came to teach families about the importance of washing their hands and to show them correct hand-washing techniques.

Providing the people of Omondorou with soap is only a small part of World Vision’s efforts to promote hygiene and access to clean water and sanitation across West Africa and around the world. Programs like the soap distribution, combined with water and sanitation projects, like digging wells and constructing latrines, help reduce the spread of diseases like trachoma.

The result is an opportunity to escape poverty and experience a future of hope — and in Yacouba’s case, a future without blindness.

One man, Sidiki Togo, expressed optimism after receiving the soap from World Vision. “If you are clean, you can avoid many diseases,” he said.

Now, with the bars of soap, these families have the simple tools needed to give themselves and their eyes this healthier future.