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Achieving trachoma control in Ghana after implementing the SAFE strategy.
Daniel Yayemain1, Jonathan D King, Oscar Debrah
1Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Health, Accra, Ghana. daniel yayemain@yahoo.com
Summary
Ghana
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Ghana aimed to eliminate blinding trachoma by 2010.
- The SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, Environmental improvement) was implemented in 2001.
- Programme impact assessment was conducted in endemic districts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of the SAFE strategy on trachoma prevalence in Ghana.
- To evaluate the current status of trachoma as a public health problem.
Main Methods:
- A two-stage cluster random sample of 720 households in 18 endemic districts.
- Examination of 74,225 individuals for trachoma signs.
- Assessment of household environmental risk factors, including water and sanitation.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of follicular trachoma in children (1-9 years) was 0.84%.
- Prevalence of trichiasis in adults (≥15 years) was 0.31%, with an estimated 4950 cases.
- Trichiasis disproportionately affected women (71.4%) and the elderly (72.6% of cases ≥60 years).
- Latrine coverage was 11.6%, and 79.2% reported using improved water sources.
Conclusions:
- Active trachoma is no longer a public health problem in Ghana due to the SAFE strategy.
- Continued health education, improved water and sanitation, and surgical interventions are recommended.
- Surveillance is crucial for sustained trachoma control.
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