Prevalence of Active Trachoma Among Children and Determinants of Trachoma Persistence in Southeast Ethiopia

Scientific Study from the year 2023 in the subject Health - Public Health, , language: English, abstract: This study evaluates the prevalence of active trachoma among children aged 1-9 in the Meda Wolabu District, Southeast Ethiopia, and analyzes factors contributing to its persistence despite the implementation of the SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial Cleanliness, and Environmental Improvement). Ethiopia, particularly Oromia Region, is heavily affected by trachoma, a major public health problem. This research identified key risk factors, including lack of health education, poor hygiene practices, and inadequate participation in mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns. The results underscore the need for enhanced intervention measures, particularly focused on environmental improvements and hygiene education, to meet the World Health Organization's trachoma elimination targets.

Tatek Deneke is a registered health professional with over 15 years professional, management and research experience in health sector. Served as Healthcare Institutions Inspection Officer, Lecturer, Public Health Researcher, Consultant, Team Lead, Pharmacy Department Head, and Hospital Pharmacist with international organizations, government health agencies and private sector. Earned Bachelor degree and masters degree from Addis Ababa University College of Health Sciences. Furthermore served as Consultant for Tiko Africa, Triggerise Ethiopia, Jhpiego Ethiopia (HWIP-USAID), Management Sciences for Health (SIAPS-USAID), KIT Royal Tropical Institute-Netherlands under USAID and UK DFID funded health programs which were implemented at national and international level. Programs and projects implemented includes; Program: Quality of Reproductive Health Medicine; Project: Situation Analysis of Reproductive Health Medicine in four countries; Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal and Nepal. Program: Health Workers Productivity Improvement Program (HWPI-E USAID) Program: Systems for Improved Assess to pharmaceuticals and Services (SIAPS-USAID)