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- Title
The elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Togo: Successes and challenges.
- Authors
Bakoubayi, Akila Wimima; Gadah, Denis Agbenyigan Yawovi; Gnossike, Piham; Zida-Compaore, Wendpouiré Ida C.; Bando, P'tanam P'kontème; Alaglo, Kamevor; Tchalim, Maweke; Patchali, P'niwè; Bitty-Anderson, Alexandra; Ekouevi, Didier Koumavi
- Abstract
Background: As of May 2022, 15 countries have declared that they have reached their trachoma elimination targets, but only 13 of them, including Togo, have been validated by the World Health Organization as having eliminated the disease as a public health problem. The aim of this study was to describe the broad interventions that have supported the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Togo from its inception in 2006 to the validation of its elimination in 2022. Method: A review and compilation of data and information contained in the country's submission to World Health Organization for validation of trachoma elimination as a public health problem was conducted. Data from national and local surveillance systems and reports on actions taken after achieving the elimination target were also included. Results: Togo has achieved the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem by 2022. The prevalence of follicular trachoma among children aged 1–9 years is <5% in all nationally defined administrative units suspected of having trachoma after stopping mass treatment for at least 2 years. The prevalence of trichiasis among persons aged 15 years and older is less than 0.2% in all administrative units previously endemic for trachoma and evidence of the ability to manage incident cases of emerging trichiasis in the community has been demonstrated. The key of the success in the elimination process was primarily the political commitment of the health authorities with financial and technical support from various international organizations. Conclusion: The elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Togo is a real success story that can serve as an example for the elimination of other neglected tropical diseases in Africa. But regular monitoring and surveillance is essential to avoid the re-emergence of such disease in the country. Author summary: Trachoma remains a public health problem in 43 countries in 2022, including 26 countries in the African region. During the 72nd Session of the World Health Organization Regional Committee for Africa held in Lomé, Togo, from 22 to 26 August 2022, World Health Organization has honored Togo for becoming the first country in the world to eliminate four neglected tropical diseases in only 11 years namely dracunculiasis (Guinea worm), lymphatic filariasis, human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) and trachoma, the last of which was eliminated in May 2022. Between 2006 and 2016, different surveys were conducted to identify trachoma endemic areas, scree n and manage Trachomatous trichiasis cases. Final epidemiological surveys conducted in 2017 confirmed that there was sufficient evidence to show that elimination should be achieved in all endemic areas prompting the formal submission of the country's elimination dossier to the World Health Organization. By reaching this milestone, Togo has improved the quality of life of people living in former trachoma endemic areas by avoiding visual impairment and eventual blindness due to this disease. Post- validation monitoring and surveillance is essential to detect the resurgence of the disease because elimination as a public health problem is a reversible state.
- Subjects
TOGO; TRACHOMA; WORLD Health Organization; AFRICAN trypanosomiasis; PUBLIC health; VISION disorders; REGIONALISM (International organization); COMMUNITIES
- Publication
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2023, Vol 17, Issue 7, p1
- ISSN
1935-2727
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1371/journal.pntd.0011444