What is Trachoma?
146 million people live in areas endemic for trachoma and it is a public health problem in Asia, the Americas, Australia and the Middle East. 90% of those affected live in Africa.
Trachoma is a disease caused by a contagious bacterial infection of the eye. It is commonly spread through contact with contaminated hands or clothing and by flies coming into contact with a person’s eyes or nose.
Trachoma often begins in early childhood and progresses over the years due to episodes of reinfection, causing inflammation and scarring of the inner eyelid. In some people, repeated infection damages the eyelids, causing the eyelashes to turn inwards and to painfully rub against the eye’s surface (a condition known as trichiasis).
If left untreated, a series of complications can lead to irreversible blindness. Trachoma is directly linked to poverty; communities without access to clean water or effective sanitation are the most vulnerable. The disease has a devastating impact on livelihoods because it limits access to education and prevents individuals from being able to work or care for themselves or their families.
Key stats
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146 million
people live in areas endemic for blinding trachoma in 2021
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65 million
people received antibiotics for trachoma in 2021
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33 countries*
are endemic for blinding trachoma in 2020
Status of elimination of trachoma as a public health problem, 2021
People receiving preventive chemotherapy for blinding trachoma
Since the London Declaration was signed in 2012 and partners committed to defeating neglected tropical diseases, the number of people receiving preventive chemotherapy for blinding trachoma has increased considerably.
Coalition partners
International Coalition for Trachoma Control (ICTC)
ICTC is a coalition of NGOs, donors, research/academic institutions and private sector organisations supporting efforts to eliminate trachoma.