Burundi Eliminates Trachoma; What Should You Know About The Disease?

WHO Congratulates Burundi

The Director General of WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom congratulated the government for joining the group of countries who have effectively eliminated trachoma and for becoming 24th country overall to achieve the feat. "I congratulate the government and people of Burundi and commend them for their hard work and dedication. The elimination of a disease like trachoma is a major public health achievement that requires sustained effort and dedication,” 

“Burundi's inclusion in the expanding list of nations that have eradicated at least one NTD is fantastic,” he added. 

The level of trachoma endemicity in Burundi was mostly unknown prior to 2007 because there were no documented cases or epidemiological investigations. In order to combat NTDs, the nation started an initiative that year that included integrated mapping of schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, trachoma, and soil-transmitted helminthiases. Following the mapping, more research was conducted by the Ministry of Public Health. Baseline surveys carried out in 2009–2010 confirmed that trachoma was endemic in some parts of the nation. Based on the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy, this resulted in the implementation of interventions for 2.5 million people in 12 health districts that needed them.

Also Read: Infectious Eye Disease: Expert Explains Trachoma And How It Can Lead To Vision Loss

What is Trachoma?

Caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, trachoma is a highly contagious disease. That is not all though, people can also get infected with contaminated surfaces, or flies that have been in contact with infected eye or even nose discharge. Recurrent infections may result in blindness, eyelid deformity, and scarring. It is still prevalent in places with inadequate access to sanitary facilities and clean water.

Symptoms Of Trachoma

Conjunctivitis: the first stage, which is characterised by eye redness, itching, and a watery discharge.

Scarring: the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the front of the eye, becomes scarred as the disease worsens due to recurrent infection episodes.

Trichiasis: a condition where the eyelashes turn inward and scrape against the cornea, causing excruciating pain, corneal abrasion, and ultimately vision loss.

Entropion: a condition in which the eyelid permanently turns inward due to scarring, can worsen corneal damage and result in irreversible blindness in its later stages.

Prevention And Treatment

The WHO advises for the ‘SAFE’ approach for the prevention of trachoma. The SAFE approach is a comprehensive strategy that must be put into practice in order to prevent trachoma. This method lessens the bacterial load and stops the illness from getting worse. In order to prevent and eradicate trachoma, the SAFE approach must be put into practice in conjunction with better hygiene habits and community involvement.

S: surgery for late complications

A: antibiotics 

F: face cleanliness 

E: Hygienic environment

Also Read: WHO Warns Of HIV Drug Shortages In Nigeria, Kenya And Other Nations

Bottomline

Although the news about Burundi eliminating trachoma is a good omen for the African continent, the problem still persists to a larger extent. Especially given the fact that the continent is home to many smaller and underdeveloped nations. Burundi became only the 8th country from the sub-sharan region to eradicate the disease, while 46 countries still remain affected.  With 93 million people living in at-risk areas as of April 2024, the African Region bears a disproportionate share of the global trachoma burden. The number of people in the African Region who need antibiotic treatment for trachoma has decreased by 51%, from 189 million in 2014 to 93 million as of April 2024. This indicates that significant progress has been made in the fight against trachoma in recent years but also highlights the need to do more.