Elimination of Blinding Trachoma in Mali and Niger

Mali, Niger

This project reduced avoidable and premature blindness and improved the quality of life of persons suffering from trachoma. The project encompassed: Supporting trichiasis surgery eye camps through provision of training and procurement of necessary equipment; Reducing the prevalence of "trachomatous inflammation follicular" among children ages one to nine years old to less than five percent at the sub-district level through the distribution of azithromycin and tetracycline eye ointment; Conducting community-based hygiene promotion interventions in trachoma-endemic zones to prevent disease transmission; Increasing household latrine coverage to reduce transmission of trachoma; and Strengthening National Program to assist the transition from active intervention to post-endemic surveillance. The project implementation was completed and the overall assessment of the project was highly satisfactory. The SAFE strategy includes Surgery for trichiasis, Antibiotic distribution, Facial cleanliness and Environmental improvement. The Carter Center works in collaboration with the federal ministries of health in Mali and Niger as well as other NGOs, such as Helen Keller International and Sightsavers. During the reporting period for grant Year 1 the project achieved several notable successes: 1) Assisted in 1,011 trichiasis surgeries in Mali, of which nearly 75 percent were performed on women; 2) Assisted in 9,737 trichiasis surgeries in Niger, of which approximately 55 percent were performed on women; 3) Trained, retrained and/or certified 24 trichiasis surgeons in Niger; 4) Supported the Mali and Niger National Programs to assure 100 percent of all surgical patients received TEO post-operatively; 5) Provided 105 villages in Mali with ongoing health education and 647 villages and 622 schools with ongoing education in Niger; 6) Supported 3,777 radio broadcasts in Mali and 23,261 radio broadcasts in Niger; 7) Trained 635 community health workers, women’s groups, teachers and religious leaders in Mali and 800 individuals from the same background in Niger; 8) Trained 434 masons in Mali and 521 masons in Niger to build latrines; 9) Constructed 4,144 latrines in Mali and 9,876 latrines in Niger; and 10) Supported the PNSO to conduct 8 surveillance surveys. In Mali, all partners and stakeholders involved in the fight against blinding trachoma have strengthened communication and are collaborating to accelerate progress to reach elimination targets. Monthly meetings held in country and regular phone calls between all international partner offices assure smooth coordination and non-duplication of efforts.