Prevalence of trachoma in 13 local government areas of Taraba State, Nigeria

Summary

The purpose of this study undertaken in 2013-2014 was to determine the prevalence of trachoma in 13 local government areas (LGAs) of Taraba State, Nigeria, and thereby determine whether trachoma is a public health problem requiring intervention. The study considered each LGA as a single evaluation unit and used the standardised methodologies of the Global Trachoma Mapping Project.

The results concluded that one of the 13 LGAs surveyed requires antibiotic mass drug administration for active trachoma. Furthermore, community-based trichiasis surgery needs to be provided in seven LGAs and there is a need to increase household-level access to improved washing water and latrines across the State.