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Br J Ophthalmol 2010;94:14-19 doi:10.1136/bjo.2009.165282
  • Global issues

Mapping trachoma in Nasarawa and Plateau States, central Nigeria

  1. J D King1,
  2. N Jip2,
  3. Y S Jugu3,
  4. A Othman4,
  5. A F Rodgers5,
  6. D Y Dajom6,
  7. E Miri2,
  8. P M Emerson1
  1. 1
    The Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
  2. 2
    The Carter Center, Jos, Nigeria
  3. 3
    Plateau State Ministry of Health, Jos, Nigeria
  4. 4
    Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, Lafia, Nigeria
  5. 5
    University of Michigan, Department of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
  6. 6
    Plateau State Hospitals Management Board, Jos, Nigeria
  • Accepted 11 July 2009

Abstract

Objectives: The World Health Organization has called upon member states to eliminate blinding trachoma by 2020 using the SAFE strategy. We aimed to determine the prevalence of trachoma and quantify intervention needs for each aspect of the SAFE (surgery, mass administration of antibiotics, promotion of facial cleanliness and environmental improvements) strategy in Nasarawa and Plateau States, Nigeria.

Methods: District-based, household cluster surveys were conducted in all 30 local government areas (LGAs) within the states.

Results: A total of 46 960 persons were examined from 7883 selected households. Prevalence estimates of trachomatous inflammation follicular among children 1–9 years of age ranged from 1.7 to 15.8% by LGA. Trichiasis prevalence among adults varied by LGA from 0 to 2.1% and was more common among women (OR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.1). Access to water within a 30 min round trip was reported by 82.3% of households.

Conclusion: LGA-wide trachoma control interventions are warranted in seven LGAs targeting: 5409 persons for surgery to correct trichiasis, 778 698 persons to receive at least three rounds of mass antibiotic distribution, 855 villages in which to promote face-washing and sanitation, and 102 751 households for latrine construction. These mapping surveys demonstrate an example of evidence-based programme planning necessary for measuring progress towards achieving the GET 2020 objective and can be replicated in other areas yet to be mapped for trachoma.

Footnotes

  • Funding Funding for the surveys was provided by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

  • Competing interests None.

  • Ethics approval Ethics approval was provided by Emory University IRB.

  • Patient consent Obtained.

  • Provenance and Peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.

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