International Coalition for Trachoma Control

Viet Nam has been validated by the World Health Organization as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem! Viet Nam has been actively tackling trachoma since the 1950s, when surveys indicated that the prevalence of active (inflammatory) trachoma ranged from 50–90%, and the prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT), the blinding stage of trachoma, was up to 6.4% in some communities. Learn how Viet Nam implemented comprehensive, cross-sectoral programmes, engaging diverse stakeholders from the community, the Women's Union, the Ministry of Education, and multiple ICTC members, to ensure trachoma was eliminated as a public health problem 👇 https://lnkd.in/dJdaDPF4.

Today, #WorldSightDay, we celebrate the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in #India and #Pakistan in addition to global progress to strengthen eye health systems to achieve #VisionForAll. In total, 20 countries have been validated by the World Health Organization as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem and the number of people at risk of trachoma has reduced by 93% since 2002, highlighting what can be achieved through sustained political will and strategic investments in national eye health systems. Congratulations India and Pakistan! Learn more 👇 . https://lnkd.in/eqzRmnN2

Pakistan has been validated by the World Health Organization as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem! It is the 6th country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region and the 19th country globally to achieve this milestone. Congratulations Pakistan! #beatNTDs https://lnkd.in/ggtr5AyZ  WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO)

Indigenous and nomadic communities vary significantly in terms of their cultural practices, spoken languages, and socioeconomic and political status. However, many indigenous communities share common challenges in accessing eye health services, including interventions for trachoma, the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness. Learn how Colombia is improving health equity for indigenous populations by implementing people-centred and rights-based approaches to health care. #IndigenousPeoplesDay https://lnkd.in/dCUnGn8v

Complex emergencies resulting from conflict and political instability are a major challenge for national trachoma programs, yet there are no formal guidelines for national programs to use to plan activities in these humanitarian situations. In 2021, Conflict and Health published a new methodological approach for implementing safe and effective mapping and intervention strategies in NTD endemic countries with ongoing complex emergencies. #WorldRefugeeDay Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dAePPGcA

There are three neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with sight-threatening complications: trachoma, an ocular disease; onchocerciasis, better known as ‘river blindness’, affecting the skin and eyes; and leprosy, which primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, and the eyes. As cases of these NTDs become increasingly rare, the use of digital tools and educational resources will soon become crucial for building health workers’ capacity to recognize eye conditions early enough to prevent devastating vision loss. Read our latest opinion piece by Dr Shyamala Anand, which presents a case for integrating ocular NTDs. https://lnkd.in/e3GPFt_Q

The World Health Organization has published the 3rd edition of “Trichiasis surgery for trachoma”. First published in 1993, the resource provides specific information for TT trainers who are training others to undertake TT surgery. Find out what is included in the 3rd edition👇. https://lnkd.in/esqCFtxE  

Trachoma, the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, affects many of the world’s most remote and marginalised communities, which often lack access to health care services. Within affected communities, special populations, including refugees, internally displaced persons, indigenous, and nomadic communities, face increased challenges in accessing health services, including interventions for trachoma. This #WorldHealthDay, we join global stakeholders in emphasising #MyHealthMyRight, and highlighting gaps and progress to achieving universal health coverage. Learn how Colombia’s people-centred and rights-based approach to health care has increased access and participation in health services, including trachoma interventions, for indigenous communities 👇 .

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including trachoma, the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, thrive in areas with limited access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). WASH interventions are essential across the full spectrum of prevention, treatment, management, and care for NTDs. However, it is estimated that 785 million people lack access to basic water services, over two billion people do not have access to basic sanitation, and three billion lack hand and face washing facilities at home. This #WorldWaterDay, we highlight experiences from Ethiopia, Nigeria and Uganda to improve cross-sectoral collaboration to achieve global targets for clean water and sanitation and #beatNTDs. Learn more:  https://lnkd.in/e4ak5xTv

Women are almost twice as likely as men to require surgery to treat trachomatous trichiasis (TT), the blinding stage of trachoma. Traditional gender roles and norms, such as being more likely to serve as the primary caregivers of children, contribute to women’s higher exposure to trachoma. Additionally, limited health decision-making power, mobility, and other diverse cultural norms can lower women’s uptake of preventive and treatment services. To achieve gender equity, people-centered approaches need to be built into programs so that women are consulted throughout the program cycle. Learn how @WIHERllc is supporting countries to respond to community needs and implement community-led change in our #InternationalWomensDay blog 👇.  https://lnkd.in/ejMkK_rv