Impact Survey Results after SAFE Strategy Implementation in 15 Local Government Areas of Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States, Nigeria.

PURPOSE: To determine prevalence of trachoma after interventions in 15 local government areas (LGAs) of Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States, Nigeria. METHODS: A population-based impact survey was conducted in each LGA using Global Trachoma Mapping Project (GTMP) protocols. In each LGA, 25 villages were selected, except in Arewa LGA, where we selected 25 villages from each of four subunits to obtain finer-resolution prevalence information. Villages were selected with probability proportional to size. In each village, 25 households were enrolled and all consenting residents aged ≥1 year were examined by GTMP-certified graders for trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) and trachomatous trichiasis (TT). Information on sources of household water and types of sanitation facilities used was collected through questioning and direct observation. RESULTS: The number of households enrolled per LGA ranged from 623 (Kware and Tangaza) to 2488 (Arewa). There have been marked reductions in the prevalence of TF and TT since baseline surveys were conducted in all 15 LGAs. Eight of the 15 LGAs have attained TF prevalences <5% in children, while 10 LGAs have attained TT prevalences <0.2% in persons aged ≥15 years. Between 49% and 96% of households had access to water for hygiene purposes within 1 km of the household, while only 10-59% had access to improved sanitation facilities. CONCLUSION: Progress towards elimination of trachoma has been made in these 15 LGAs. Collaboration with water and sanitation agencies and community-based trichiasis surgery are still needed in order to eliminate trachoma by the year 2020

Trachoma Prevalence and Risk Factors in Eight Local Government Areas of Zamfara State

Introduction: Trachoma is the leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide and is targeted for elimination by the year 2020 by the World Health Organization (WHO). The aim of our study was to provide baseline data on trachoma for eight local government areas (LGAs) of Zamfara state, Nigeria to enable planning and control activities in affected communities.Materials and Methods: A population‑based cross‑sectional survey was conducted in the selected LGAs between October 2010 and July 2011 using a two‑stage sampling with probability proportional to size. The WHO guidelines for trachoma control were used in planning the survey, while the risk factors assessment was based on a recommendation from another WHO publication.Results: Trachomatous inflammation – follicular prevalence in children 1–9 years was 0.04–18%; while trachomatous trichiasis (TT) prevalence in persons ≥ 15 years was 0–1.4% across the LGAs. Access to improved water sources was worst (&gt;40%) in Bakura and Maradun LGAs. Latrine accessibility was the highest (64%) in Bakura and Bukkuyum LGAs. Awareness of trachoma as a disease was 7–92% across the LGAs, whereas knowledge of trachoma prevention is poor (1–8%). Chi‑square analysis shows access to latrine, knowledge of trachoma as a disease, and its prevention was significantly protective for active disease (odds ratio [OR] &lt;1, P &lt; 0.05). A regression analysis, however, showed that only access to latrine and knowledge of trachoma prevention remained significantly protective (OR &lt; 1, P &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: The risk factors for trachoma are endemic in the study areas, and active control measures are needed. The burden of the disease is, however, clustered with most LGAs having a low burden of both the active and blinding disease.Keywords: Conjunctivitis, Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020, Nigeria, trachoma, ultimate intervention goal

Impact Survey Results after SAFE Strategy Implementation in 15 Local Government Areas of Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States, Nigeria.

PurposeTo determine prevalence of trachoma after interventions in 15 local government areas (LGAs) of Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States, Nigeria.MethodsA population-based impact survey was conducted in each LGA using Global Trachoma Mapping Project (GTMP) protocols. In each LGA, 25 villages were selected, except in Arewa LGA, where we selected 25 villages from each of four subunits to obtain finer-resolution prevalence information. Villages were selected with probability proportional to size. In each village, 25 households were enrolled and all consenting residents aged ≥1 year were examined by GTMP-certified graders for trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) and trachomatous trichiasis (TT). Information on sources of household water and types of sanitation facilities used was collected through questioning and direct observation.ResultsThe number of households enrolled per LGA ranged from 623 (Kware and Tangaza) to 2488 (Arewa). There have been marked reductions in the prevalence of TF and TT since baseline surveys were conducted in all 15 LGAs. Eight of the 15 LGAs have attained TF prevalences &lt;5% in children, while 10 LGAs have attained TT prevalences &lt;0.2% in persons aged ≥15 years. Between 49% and 96% of households had access to water for hygiene purposes within 1 km of the household, while only 10-59% had access to improved sanitation facilities.ConclusionProgress towards elimination of trachoma has been made in these 15 LGAs. Collaboration with water and sanitation agencies and community-based trichiasis surgery are still needed in order to eliminate trachoma by the year 2020