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. 2025 Jan 3;17(1):112-121.
doi: 10.1093/inthealth/ihae035.

Progress towards the elimination of trachoma in Nigeria

Caleb D Mpyet  1   2 , Nicholas Olobio  3 , Sunday Isiyaku  1 , Teyil Wamyil-Mshelia  1 , Grace Ajege  1 , Christopher Ogoshi  4 , Francisca Olamiju  5 , Ijeoma Achu  5 , Mohammed Dantani Adamu  6 , Nasiru Muhammad  6 , Aliyu Mohammed Jabo  7 , Philomena Orji  7 , Adamani William  8 , Alice Venyir Ramyil  2 , Ana Bakhtiari  9 , Sarah Boyd  9 , Michaela Kelly  10 , Cristina Jimenez  10 , Amir Bedri Kello  11 , Anthony W Solomon  12 , Emma M Harding-Esch  13 , Paul Courtright  14
Affiliations

Progress towards the elimination of trachoma in Nigeria

Caleb D Mpyet et al. Int Health. .

Abstract

Trachoma is targeted for elimination as a public health problem worldwide by 2030. In Nigeria, elimination activities are implemented at the local government area (LGA) level. They started in 2002 by conducting baseline population-based prevalence surveys (PBPSs), which continued in a systematic manner with engagement from the Global Trachoma Mapping Project in 2013, and subsequently Tropical Data. The results led to the development of Nigeria's first trachoma action plan and its subsequent revision with additional information. Following 449 baseline PBPSs, 122 LGAs had an active trachoma prevalence above the elimination threshold, requiring interventions, while 231 LGAs required community-based interventions for trichiasis management. By 2021, >34 million antibiotic treatments had been provided in 104 LGAs, with 89 LGAs eliminating active trachoma. Nationally, water and sanitation coverages increased by 3% and 18%, respectively, in 7 y. Systematic trichiasis case finding and management were carried out in 231 LGAs, resulting in the management of 102 527 people. Fifty-four LGAs decreased trichiasis prevalence unknown to the health system to <0.2% in persons ≥15 y of age. Where this elimination prevalence threshold was reached, trichiasis services were transitioned to routine eye/healthcare systems. Such progress relied on strong leadership and coordination from the national trachoma program and tremendous support provided by partners. Attaining elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Nigeria by 2030 is feasible if funding support is sustained.

Keywords: Nigeria; elimination; neglected tropical diseases; trachoma; trichiasis.

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Conflict of interest statement

AB and SB are employed by ITI, which receives an operating budget and research funding from Pfizer, the manufacturers of Zithromax (azithromycin). EMHE receives salary support from ITI.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Baseline prevalence of TF in children 1–9 y of age by LGA, Nigeria, by end of 2020.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Baseline prevalence of TT in adults ≥15 y of age by LGA, Nigeria, by end of 2020.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Prevalence of TF in children 1–9 y of age by LGA, Nigeria, by end of 2020. For each LGA, the most recent prevalence estimate generated to that date is represented.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Prevalence of TT in adults ≥15 y of age by LGA, Nigeria, by end of 2020. For each LGA, the most recent prevalence estimate generated to that date is represented.
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References

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