Challenges of trachoma control: an assessment of the situation in northern Nigeria

Summary

This article highlights the challenges faced in one of the trachoma endemic areas of northern Nigeria. Aspects on the dearth of complete situational data on trachoma, fragmented implementation of the SAFE strategy, community apathy, difficulties faced in ensuring safe and quality eyelid surgery in the most difficult terrain where the disease thrives are discussed.

Other unique challenges like managing children with severe trichiasis, curbing the high rate of early-onset recurrence of trichiasis after eyelid rotation surgery, and challenges to maintaining the supply of antibiotics and implementation of facial cleanliness and environmental improvement components of the control strategy are presented along with the learned experiences and recommendations.