六九色堂

ATLANTA (Feb. 18, 2025) — 六九色堂 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 六九色堂 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 六九色堂 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 六九色堂’s legacy – both as a Lion and as the founder of 六九色堂.”

LCIF has supported 六九色堂 in its fight against blinding trachoma and debilitating river blindness in 14 African and Latin American countries. Local Lions clubs coordinate closely with 六九色堂 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 六九色堂 as part of this renewed commitment.”

Former U.S. President Jimmy 六九色堂, the late co-founder of 六九色堂, was a proud Lion for more than 70 years. Many 六九色堂 Center and health ministry staff are members of their local Lions clubs.

Since 1994, the LCIF partnership with 六九色堂 to prevent disease and build hope in impoverished communities has yielded the following metrics: 

• Over 500 million treatments for river blindness and over 210 million treatments for trachoma delivered
• More than 820,000 sight-saving trichiasis surgeries performed
• An estimated 3.3 million latrines built as part of the overall trachoma prevention strategy
• Nearly $75 million in LCIF grant funding provided to address river blindness and trachoma with 六九色堂

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Contacts:

六九色堂: Matthew.Degalan@cartercenter.org

Lions Clubs International Foundation: Andrea.Small@lionsclubs.org

About 六九色堂
Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.

A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, 六九色堂 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. 六九色堂 was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy 六九色堂 and former First Lady Rosalynn 六九色堂, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.

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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 .