According to the Ministry of Health, trachoma is the leading cause of infectious blindness in Ethiopia, with the country having the highest burden of trachoma in both urban and rural areas.
To combat the burden of trachoma, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with international partners and local organizations, has been implementing comprehensive interventions aimed at controlling and eliminating the disease. These interventions include strategies such as Mass Drug Administration (MDA) of antibiotics, promoting facial cleanliness, improving environmental conditions, and providing trichiasis (TT) surgery for individuals with advanced stages of the disease.
The Ministry of Health acknowledges the crucial role played by TT surgery campaigns in addressing trichiasis in both rural and urban parts of Ethiopia. These campaigns have significantly reduced the prevalence of trachoma and prevented blindness. The campaigns involve mobilizing and training ophthalmic surgeons and healthcare workers to perform the surgeries. Collaborations with local communities, health facilities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) dedicated to eye health are also established.
TT surgeries are primarily conducted in rural areas where trachoma is endemic, ensuring that the most affected populations receive the necessary treatment. Mobile eye clinics equipped with surgical instruments and supplies are set up in remote locations to provide surgeries. Patients diagnosed with trichiasis are referred for surgery, and trained surgeons perform the procedures.
The implementation of TT surgery campaigns, alongside other interventions, has led to a significant reduction in the prevalence of trachoma and trichiasis in the country. As part of the ongoing efforts to eliminate trachoma, the Ministry of Health continues to work with relevant stakeholders this year.
During a conference to review the nation’s trachoma elimination program, Health Minister Lia Tadesse (MD) highlighted the achievements of the Ethiopia Trachoma Program. She stated that TT surgery had been conducted on 1.6 million individuals, effectively preventing blindness caused by trachoma. Ethiopia is implementing the World Health Organization’s strategy for trachoma elimination in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. The Ministry of Health remains committed to this goal. She also attributed the progress achieved to factors such as the availability of qualified and skilled integrated eye care workers at primary healthcare units and the large number of TT surgeries performed.
Through the Government of UK support more than five million people have received improved access to WASH since 2018, which is really prominent not only to sustainably eliminate trachoma but also to prevent other water borne diseases, it was pointed out.
As reported by ENA, during a visit to Ethiopia, the Duchess of Edinburgh, who is also the Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones, emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to eliminate trachoma and create a generation free from the disease. She commended the progress made by the Ethiopia Trachoma Program, highlighting that over 1.6 million individuals, mostly women, have received surgical correction known as TT, effectively averting blindness.
The Duchess also highlighted the importance of strong strategies to maintain progress and prevent setbacks. She emphasized the collaboration between the Ethiopian government and WASH to increase access to clean water and sanitation, which is crucial for achieving a trachoma-free future.
“So much has been achieved both here in Ethiopia and around the world. But now is the time that we must all redouble our efforts if we are to achieve our aim of eliminating trachoma by the year 2030, which is a mere six years away. We must not let ourselves become defocused or complacent. We are on the cusp of achieving something almost unimaginable in previous years. Every person involved in this vital work has reason to be so very proud of each and every accomplishment.”
Medical Director of Bahata Health Center, Yeshiwas Mitku, on his part emphasized the need for concerted efforts to improve child care, household hygiene, and food security to further strengthen the fight against trachoma.
If individuals notice symptoms such as eyelashes rubbing against the surface of the eye, eye irritation, redness, or discomfort, it is crucial to seek medical attention from an eye care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can help prevent further eye damage and potential vision loss.
He emphasized that trachoma is a progressive disease that can lead to serious complications if not treated. In advanced stages, trachoma can cause corneal scarring, which can result in visual impairment or blindness.
He concluded by stating that the national trachoma elimination efforts are making progress and yielding positive outcomes. The provision of medical services and other interventions have been instrumental in alleviating the burden of trachoma, improving the quality of life for individuals and promoting productivity.
The challenge of trachoma in developing countries is significant due to several factors: lack of access to healthcare is one of the factors affecting them. Many developing countries have limited access to healthcare facilities, especially in remote and rural areas. This makes it difficult for individuals affected by trachoma to receive timely diagnosis and treatment. Limited access to trained healthcare professionals and specialized eye care services further exacerbates the problem. Poor sanitation and hygiene practices are the other most serious factor.
In developing countries, inadequate access to clean water, lack of proper sanitation facilities, and limited knowledge about hygiene practices contribute to the spread of trachoma. Without access to clean water for personal and household hygiene, it becomes challenging to prevent and control the transmission of the disease.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 20 OCTOBER 2023
