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Epidemiology of trachoma and its implications for implementing the "SAFE" strategy in Somali Region, Ethiopia: results of 14 population-based prevalence surveys.

Authors :
Duale AB
Negussu Ayele N
Macleod CK
Kello AB
Eshetu Gezachew Z
Binegdie A
Dejene M
Alemayehu W
Flueckiger RM
Massae PA
Willis R
Kebede Negash B
Solomon AW
Source :
Ophthalmic epidemiology [Ophthalmic Epidemiol] 2018 Dec; Vol. 25 (sup1), pp. 25-32.
Publication Year :
2018

Abstract

Purpose: Ethiopia is highly trachoma endemic. Baseline mapping was needed in Ethiopia's Somali Region to guide elimination efforts.<br />Methods: Cross-sectional community-based surveys were conducted in 34 suspected trachoma-endemic woredas, grouped as 14 evaluation units (EUs), using a standardised mapping methodology developed for the Global Trachoma Mapping Project.<br />Results: In total, 53,467 individuals were enumerated. A total of 48,058 (89.9%) were present at the time of survey teams' visits and consented to examination. The prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) among children aged 1-9 years ranged from 4.1% in the EU covering Danot, Boh, and Geladin woredas in Doolo Subzone to 38.1% in the EU covering Kebribeyah and Hareshen woredas in Fafan Subzone (East). The trichiasis prevalence among adults aged over 15 <superscript> </superscript> years varied from 0.1% in the EU covering Afder, Bare, and Dolobay woredas in Afder Subzone (West) to 1.2% in the EU covering Awbere in Fafan Subzone (West).<br />Conclusion: Mass drug administration (MDA) with azithromycin is needed in 13 EUs (population 2,845,818). Two EUs (population 667,599) had TF prevalences in 1-9-year-olds of ≥30% and will require at least 5 years of MDA; 5 EUs (population 1,1193,032) had TF prevalences of 10-29.9% and need at least three years of MDA; 6 EUs (population 985,187) had TF prevalences of 5-9.9% and need at least one round of azithromycin distribution before re-survey. In all 13 of these EUs, implementation of facial cleanliness and environmental improvement measures is also needed. Surveys are still needed in the remaining 34 unmapped woredas of Somali Region.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1744-5086
Volume :
25
Issue :
sup1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Ophthalmic epidemiology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
30806549
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/09286586.2017.1409358