CharitiesSCI Foundation

Charity

SCI Foundation

SCI Foundation

Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI) Foundation supports governments in sub-Saharan African countries in developing effective programs to reduce parasitic worm infections.

What is SCI Foundation's mission?

The SCI Foundation's mission is to "prevent and treat neglected infectious diseases through strengthening impactful and comprehensive health programmes." They envision a world "free of preventable disease."

What does SCI Foundation do?

  • SCI Foundation supports governments in sub-Saharan African countries in developing effective programs to reduce parasitic worm infections including schistosomiasis, hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm.
  • SCI Foundation can provide treatments for about three people for just £1 GBP (or about $1.4 USD).
  • SCI Foundation reaches approximately 50 million people each year, and has since 2016.
  • SCI Foundation works to ensure the sustainability of their work by working with governments to strengthen existing systems and processes.

Why do we recommend SCI Foundation?

  • SCI Foundation uses evidence to inform its decisions. They track the impact of their programs and they are transparent about their use of donations.
  • SCI Foundation is recognised by GiveWell as a top charity.
  • Due to its cost effectiveness, GiveWell considers deworming to be a priority program.
  • Open Philanthropy offered SCI Foundation a $2.5 million grant for general support in 2019.
  • GiveWell estimates that SCI Foundation could effectively use an additional $22.9 million beyond its expected budget in 2022--23.

To learn more about SCI Foundation, we recommend reading GiveWell's detailed review.

Fast Facts


SCI Foundation was founded in 2002 with a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Global Health Program. SCI Foundation works to reduce cases of schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasitic worms. They also treat other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) like hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm. In 2019, only 39% of people who needed treatment for schistosomiasis and 52% of people who needed treatment for intestinal worms received that treatment. A total of 648 people did not receive the treatment they needed. This data comes from the World Health Organization’s NTD progress dashboard.