Eliminating Trachoma

Explore how the trachoma disease is being combated across the globe

Trachoma is a neglected tropical disease. It occurs in some of the poorest populations with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare, and is the leading cause of blindness in the world. Based on 2020 data, it is estimated that 137 million people are at risk of trachoma in 44 endemic countries.

On this course, you’ll explore the history of trachoma, how it is graded in individuals, as well as studying the decision making involved in eradicating this tropical disease.

You’ll also discover how trachoma elimination strategies are implemented across the globe.

This practical course is for everyone involved, or interested in, delivering health services to eliminate blinding trachoma.

It may be of interest to those working in or studying medicine, and will be of special use to those working in neglected tropical diseases (NTD), public health or ophthalmology.

Content is focused on the action that needs to take place at a local community level.

• The challenge of trachoma
• Introduction: What is trachoma?
• Where is trachoma?
• What can we do?
• Action for trachoma: S is for surgery
• Reaching trichiasis patients
• Trichiasis surgery in the community
• Managing the coverage and quality of trichiasis surgery
• Action for trachoma: A is for Antibiotics
• Taking antibiotics to the community
• Managing mass distribution of antibiotics
• Action for trachoma: Face washing and the Environment
• Trachoma, community and environment
• Working with stakeholders
• Is SAFE making a difference?
• What is monitoring?
• Monitoring for trachoma elimination
• Certifying elimination
• Course review