Impact of trachoma elimination efforts in Afar regional state, Ethiopia: survey findings from 26 evaluation units

Summary

Significant progress has been made in reducing the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation – follicular (TF) and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) in Ethiopia’s Afar region. Among the 26 surveyed woredas (districts), TF prevalence was less than the World Health Organization (WHO) elimination threshold of 5% in 18 woredas, and the prevalence of TT cases unknown to the health system was below the WHO elimination threshold of 0.2% in 14 woredas. The results highlight the need for further rounds of antibiotic mass drug administration in seven woredas, surgical campaigns in 12 woredas and enhanced access to improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities across all surveyed woredas.