Neglected Tropical Diseases with a focus on Trachoma

The Trachoma Elimination Programme is a critical public health initiative aimed at eradicating trachoma, a contagious eye disease that, if left untreated, can lead to irreversible blindness. This programme is founded on the World Health Organization’s SAFE strategy, which comprises four essential interventions: Surgery for trichiasis, Antibiotics to eliminate infection, Facial cleanliness promotion, and Environmental improvements. These components collectively work to reduce both individual suffering and community transmission of the disease.

Specifically, the programme prioritizes surgical treatment for individuals suffering from trachomatous trichiasis (TT), a condition where eyelashes turn inward and damage the cornea, posing an immediate risk of blindness. Additionally, antibiotic therapy is administered not only to treat active cases but also through mass drug administration campaigns aimed at decreasing the community reservoir of infection. Promotion of facial cleanliness and hygiene practices further minimizes transmission by reducing bacterial spread.

Since its inception in 2012, the Trachoma Elimination Programme has collaborated closely with the Ministry of Health and various partners. These concerted efforts have yielded significant progress; several districts have successfully reduced active trachoma prevalence (TF) below 5%, meeting WHO criteria for elimination as a public health problem. This underscores the programme’s effectiveness and highlights its vital role in safeguarding vision health in affected communities.

FACTSHEET

Global

  • It is a public health problem in 32 countries and is responsible for the blindness or visual impairment of about 1.9 million people.
  • Based on April 2025 data, 103 million people live in trachoma endemic areas and are at risk of trachoma blindness.
  • responsible for the blindness or visual impairment of about 1.9 million people
  • 136 million people live in trachoma endemic areas and are at risk of trachoma blindness.

Source https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/trachoma

Zambia

  • Trachoma is a disease of public health concern and was endemic in 44 (now 54) districts at baseline putting at risk of visual impairment and blindness of a population of over 7 million people.
  • Of the 44 districts the highest prevalence of active trachoma was recorded in Gwembe District in Southern Province at 52.9%, however the Western Province recorded the highest number of endemic districts