Prevalence of trachoma following interventions in 52 woredas of Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ and Sidama regions of Ethiopia, from 2017-2019

Summary

Trachoma is endemic in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ (SNNP) and Sidama regions of Ethiopia. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation – follicular (TF) among children aged 1 − 9 years and the prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) unknown to the health system among people aged ≥15 years following interventions for trachoma in 52 woredas of SNNP and Sidama regions.

This included one impact survey in 40 woredas, two consecutive impact surveys in 10 woredas and three consecutive impact surveys in two woredas. By the end of this survey series, 15 (23%) of the woredas had met the active trachoma elimination threshold (TF prevalence <5%) and 12 (18%) had met the TT threshold (TT ≤ 0.2%).

Regarding WASH coverage, 20% of households had access to an improved drinking water source within a 30-min journey and 3% had an improved latrine. The results indicate that further antibiotic mass drug administration is required in 37 woredas and active TT case finding is needed in 40 woredas. Additionally WASH improvements are required.