Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness in the world. Trachoma is thought to be endemic in nearly all of Zambia’s ten provinces, with Western Province having the highest levels of endemicity, followed by Southern Province. Trachoma is also endemic in the provinces of Luapula, Central, Eastern, Muchinga, North-western, Lusaka, Northern, and Copperbelt.

Water scarcity, inadequate sanitation, poor hygiene, and poverty characterize Trachoma endemic areas. The achievement of this goal is contingent on the successful implementation of the SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvements). Annual mass antibiotic distributions are key to breaking the cycle of transmission in a community.

In October of last year, the Kapiri District in Zambia’s Central Province, which is one of the affected areas, launched Trachoma Mass Drug Administration.

This video describes the program, which was spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and LIAZ.