Prevalence of trachoma in Somali region, Ethiopia: results from trachoma impact surveys in 50 woredas
Getachew Gebreselassie, Kasahun Negash, Sentayehu Tsegaye, Misrak Makonnen, Baye Deneke, Muluken Desalegn, Emma M Harding-Esch, Anna Harte, Anthony W Solomon, Sarah Boyd, Ana Bakhtiari, Mussie Abdosh Hassen, Abdulahi Hambali, Michael Dejene, Colin Beckwith, Fentahun Tadesse, Fikre Seifu, Genet Kiflu, Fikreab Kebede- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- General Medicine
- Health (social science)
Abstract
Background
Following interventions to eliminate trachoma in Somali region, Ethiopia, we aimed to re-estimate the prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) and trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) at woreda level and identify the factors associated with the disease.
Methods
We implemented cross-sectional community-based surveys in 50 trachoma-endemic woredas, using a standardized survey. Households were the secondary sampling unit. Surveys were undertaken through a combination of interviews of household heads and direct inspection of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) access, plus clinical evaluation of eligible household members for TT and TF.
Results
Overall, 41 (82%) of the 50 woredas had met the WHO-recommended active trachoma elimination threshold (prevalence of TF <5% in 1–9-y-olds) and 42 (84%) had met the TT threshold (prevalence of TT unknown to the health system <0.2% in ≥15-y-olds). Only 18% of households had access to an improved drinking water source within a 30-min trip and only 25% had an improved latrine.
Conclusions
Additional rounds of antibiotic mass drug administration, plus interventions to enhance facial cleanliness and improve the environment, are required in nine woredas. TT surgical campaigns are needed in eight woredas. Greater access to WASH is required across all the woredas that were surveyed.