Baseline trachoma surveys in Kaskazini A and Micheweni Districts of Zanzibar: results of two population-based prevalence surveys conducted with the Global Trachoma Mapping Project

This study was prompted by results from health care records and trachoma rapid assessments which suggested that trachoma was endemic in the districts of Kaskazini A and Micheweni, in Zanzibar. Using the methodology of the Global Trachoma Mapping Project, the authors aimed to investigate the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) in each of these districts.

The study concluded that trachoma is a public health problem in Micheweni district, where implementation of all four components of the SAFE strategy (surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement), including mass drug administration with azithromycin, is required. These findings will facilitate planning for trachoma elimination.