[World Health Organization alliance for the elimination of trachoma]

Although trachoma has either decreased or disappeared in many Third World countries through socio economic development during the past forty years, it remains a major problem among the poorest communities, which is often ignored by decision-makers when setting priorities. Fortunately, recent developments will allow to overcome many of the past obstacles and to offer new opportunities for trachoma control programmes. WHO aware of this new favourable context for trachoma control has taken the leadership in mobilizing and coordinating trachoma control efforts through the creation of a WHO Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma. The aim of this Alliance is to assist Member States where trachoma is endemic achieve the goal of (global) elimination of trachoma by the year 2020. This is indeed possible through the combination of various interventions such as those proposed by the SAFE strategy (Surgery for trichiasis, Antibiotics, Face washing and Environmental changes) recommended by WHO. The prevention of trachoma and its treatment will rely largely on the efforts made by the endemic countries concerned with this problem. Therefore, new and or existing trachoma control programmes should be either implemented or strengthened at community-based level within the framework of the available primary health care systems based on the application of the SAFE strategy and on the assistance of the Alliance partners.