ATLANTA (Feb. 18, 2025) — The Carter Center and Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) on Monday announced a $2 million renewal of their partnership to end suffering from major causes of preventable blindness in Ethiopia, South Sudan, Venezuela, and Brazil. The announcement was made at The Carter Center in Atlanta.
Since 1994, LCIF has worked in tandem with the Center to bring an end to river blindness and trachoma – both preventable causes of blindness – on a global scale. This unique collaboration has had a significant impact on the lives of millions of people.
“Thanks to Lions’ longstanding support, millions of people are now living free from river blindness and trachoma,” said Carter Center CEO Paige Alexander. “Today’s signing is a celebration of all that we have accomplished together over the course of three decades, but it is also a promise to continue this work and to preserve President Carter’s legacy – both as a Lion and as the founder of The Carter Center.”
LCIF has supported The Carter Center in its fight against blinding trachoma and debilitating river blindness in 14 African and Latin American countries. Local Lions clubs coordinate closely with Carter Center staff to mobilize communities to participate in mass drug administration, sight-saving surgery campaigns, and latrine construction. They also meet with influential national leaders to advocate for continued attention to river blindness and trachoma.
“Lions International and Lions worldwide are immensely proud of our partnership’s impact over the last three decades,” said LCIF Chairperson Dr. Patti Hill. “Our collaborative efforts have truly changed countless lives and improved entire communities. We look forward to the joint impact we will have alongside The Carter Center as part of this renewed commitment.”
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the late co-founder of The Carter Center, was a proud Lion for more than 70 years. Many Carter Center and health ministry staff are members of their local Lions clubs.
Since 1994, the LCIF partnership with The Carter Center to prevent disease and build hope in impoverished communities has yielded the following metrics:
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Contacts:
The Carter Center: Matthew.Degalan@cartercenter.org
Lions Clubs International Foundation: Andrea.Small@lionsclubs.org
About The Carter Center
Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.
A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.
Visit our website CarterCenter.org | Follow us on X @CarterCenter | Follow us on Instagram @thecartercenter | Like us on Facebook Facebook.com/CarterCenter | Watch us on YouTube YouTube.com/CarterCenter
About Lions Clubs International Foundation
Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is the global foundation supporting the 1.4 million members of Lions Clubs International through grant funds that expand their compassionate works and empower their service at home and around the world. Since its founding in 1968, LCIF has awarded more than 20,000 grants totaling nearly US$1.3 billion. We improve health and well-being, strengthen communities and support those in need, locally and globally. Learn more about who we are and what we do at lionsclubs.org/lcif or follow LCIF on Facebook at facebook.com/LCIFLions.
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