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.

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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.