Senegal Eliminates Trachoma – A Global Victory
Senegal Achieves Major Milestone: Trachoma Elimination Declared
Dakar, Senegal – Senegal has officially been declared free of trachoma, a leading cause of preventable blindness, marking a meaningful public health victory and a testament to sustained global and national efforts.The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated the country’s achievement, recognizing its success in eliminating this debilitating neglected tropical disease (NTD).
Senegal joins a growing cohort of 57 countries that have successfully eliminated one or more NTDs. This monumental achievement follows decades of dedicated work by senegalese health authorities, frontline health workers, communities, government leaders, and international partners.
“Trachoma has cast a shadow over communities in Senegal for more than a century. This long-awaited validation is not only a milestone for public health but a powerful tribute to the tireless dedication of frontline health workers,communities,government leaders,and partners who never gave up,” stated Dr. Jean-Marie Vianny Yameogo, WHO Representative in Senegal. “Today, we close a chapter that began over a hundred years ago, united with pride, gratitude and resolve. WHO remains committed to supporting Senegal as the country continues to lead in sustaining this hard-earned achievement.”
The WHO is actively supporting Senegal’s health authorities in closely monitoring communities where trachoma was previously endemic to prevent any resurgence of the disease.
Global Trachoma burden and Progress
Despite Senegal’s success, trachoma remains a significant public health challenge in 32 countries worldwide, affecting an estimated 103 million people in areas requiring interventions. The disease is most prevalent in the poorest and most rural regions of Africa,Central and South America,Asia,the Western Pacific,and the Middle East. The WHO’s African Region bears a disproportionate burden, with 93 million people living in at-risk areas as of April 2024, accounting for 90% of the global trachoma burden.
However, ample progress has been made in combating trachoma globally. In the African Region alone, the number of people requiring antibiotic treatment for trachoma has plummeted by 51%, from 189 million in 2014 to 93 million in April 2024.
Currently, 20 countries within the WHO African Region, including Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, eritrea, Ethiopia, guinea, Kenya, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, zambia, and Zimbabwe, still require interventions for trachoma elimination. Additionally, three countries in the region – Botswana, Guinea-Bissau, and Namibia – have reported achieving the prevalence targets for elimination.
Understanding Trachoma and the SAFE Strategy
Trachoma is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It spreads through person-to-person contact via contaminated surfaces, fomites, and flies that have come into contact with eye or nasal discharge from an infected individual. Poor hygiene, overcrowded living conditions, and inadequate access to water and sanitation are significant environmental risk factors contributing to its transmission.
The WHO advocates for the SAFE strategy to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem. This comprehensive approach aims to reduce transmission, clear existing infections, and manage their consequences. the SAFE strategy encompasses:
Surgery to correct trachomatous trichiasis,a blinding complication.
Antibiotics, particularly mass drug administration of azithromycin, generously donated by Pfizer through the International Trachoma Initiative, to clear infections. Facial cleanliness to reduce transmission.
Environmental advancement, focusing on enhancing access to water and sanitation.The Roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021-2030 sets ambitious targets for the prevention, control, elimination, and eradication of 20 diseases and disease groups by 2030. Progress in tackling trachoma and other NTDs is crucial for alleviating the immense human and economic burden these diseases place on the world’s most disadvantaged communities.