Trachoma disease Trachoma is a sequela following infection by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis). The disease is preventable, but still the cause of blindness in 1.9 million people world wide.

Trachoma is a bacterial eye infection, not unlike the common ‘pink-eye’ or conjunctivitis. Repeated reinfection, combined with the body’s immune reaction, often has devastating consequences. Trachoma starts as an infection of the membrane that covers the outside of the eyeball and lines th...e inner surface of the eyelids (conjunctiva). Repeated infections can over years eventually lead to scarring that causes the margin of the eyelid to turn inwards. more

The year 2020 is the target date for the elimination of blinding trachoma as a public health problem. There has been great progress, and there is unprecedented funding available – particularly from DFID, the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, and USAID. There is also reason for optimism that, ...over the next five years, further success will be seen in many endemic countries. In order to achieve elimination, more

WASH for Trachoma Elimination (WASH Tra) will contribute in the reduction of Trachomatous inflammation – follicular (TF) to <5% through sustained change in enhanced facial cleanliness and handwashing practices of the community, and use of improved sanitation and integration/mainstreaming of trach...oma and WASH interventions. more

The control and elimination of schistosomiasis have over the last two decades involved several strategies, with the current strategy by the World Health Organization (WHO) focusing mainly on treatment with praziquantel during mass drug administration (MDA). However, the disease context is complex wi...th an interplay of social, economic, political, and cultural factors that may affect achieving the goals of the Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) 2021-2030 Roadmap. There is a need to revisit the current top-down and reactive approach to schistosomiasis control among sub-Saharan African countries and advocate for a dynamic and diversified approach. more