Helen Keller International
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Helen Keller International (HKI) combats the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition by establishing programs based on evidence and research in vision, health and nutrition. Founded in 1915 by Helen Keller and George Kessler, the organization’s mission is to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. HKI’s two major areas of expertise are Eye Health and Health and Nutrition. Its Eye Health programs address the major causes of blindness in the world, including cataract, trachoma and onchocerciasis, and treating refractive error. Its Health and Nutrition programs include vitamin A, iron/folate, and multi-micronutrient supplementation, fortification of commonly used foods, dietary diversification, community- and school-gardening as well as school health activities, the promotion of breastfeeding and complementary feeding, and nutritional surveillance to provide critical data to governments and other development partners. Each year, HKI's programs benefit millions of people.
Currently, HKI works in 25 countries around the world in Africa, the Americas and Asia. Global headquarters are located in New York City, and programs are also developed and administered through regional offices, currently located in Senegal and Singapore, as well as through 19 country offices and an additional development office in Paris. HKI has country offices in Burkina Faso, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Cambodia, Côte d’Ivoire, China, Guinea, Indonesia, Mali, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania, and Vietnam
