A SAFE solution: Sightsavers’ fast-track initiative to eliminate blinding trachoma

The International Coalition for Trachoma Control’s global strategy to eliminate blinding trachoma indicates that at least 110 million people live in areas where trachoma is endemic.

About 4.6 million are in the advanced stages, trichiasis, which steadily and painfully progresses into blindness. Another 210 million people live in areas where there are strong indications of trachoma prevalence. In those areas, an additional 3.6 million cases of trichiasis can be expected.

The SAFE strategy (which stands for surgery, antibiotics, face washing and environmental changes) acknowledges the need to address trachoma within the context of international development. Publication date: October 2011