Trachoma is eliminated in Ghana

Ghana has become the first country in sub-Saharan Africa and the Commonwealth to eliminate trachoma, as validated by the World Health Organization.

Sightsavers has been working in Ghana since 2000, when about 2.8 million people in the country were estimated to be at risk of trachoma. On 13 June 2018 the World Health Organisation (WHO) made the official announcement that the country had eliminated the disease as a public health problem.

According to the most recent statistics, there are about 157.7 million people at risk of trachoma in 43 countries, the vast majority of which are in Africa. Ghana’s breakthrough achievements show that eliminating this eye disease is possible, and it is hoped this will pave the way for many other countries to follow.

Sightsavers Director of Neglected Tropical Diseases Simon Bush said: “Through collaboration, determination and sheer hard work, Ghana has eliminated a painful eye disease that has devastated the lives of millions of the most vulnerable people for years. This achievement was  possible because a global alliance worked together – from government departments and international organisations  through to funders, pharmaceutical companies and the communities themselves.

“But the fight does not end here. Many other countries are on the cusp of elimination and must continue to push for the elimination of trachoma, and other neglected tropical diseases, across the world.”

Trachoma was eliminated in Ghana thanks to partnership between the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service, communities, pharmaceutical companies, WHO, funders, more than 20 NGOs and members of the International Coalition of Trachoma Control, including the International Trachoma Initiative, Sightsavers, The Carter Center, USAID END in Africa and FH1360.

The partners together delivered the WHO-endorsed SAFE strategy, encompassing surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement.

As a result of collaborative efforts, more than 6,000 people in Ghana had pain-relieving and potentially sight-saving surgery and 3.3 million doses of the Zithromax® antibiotic, donated by pharmaceutical company Pfizer, helped to treat and protect people from infection.