Progress towards elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Eritrea: results of a systematic review and nine population-based prevalence surveys conducted in 2014

Summary

The purpose of this study undertaken in 2014 was to assess Eritrea’s progress towards elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. The study reviewed and compiled current knowledge on the distribution and burden of trachoma in Eritrea, then undertook further population-based surveys where indicated, with support from the Global Trachoma Mapping Project. Post-intervention impact surveys were needed in seven evaluation units (EUs), while baseline surveys were needed in two EUs.

The study concluded that interventions are still required in Eritrea to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem: Four of the seven impact survey EUs and both baseline survey EUs require mass drug administration with azithromycin; six of the seven impact survey EUs and one of the two baseline survey EUs require further support for trichiasis surgeries.