Prevalence of Trachoma After Three Rounds of Antibiotic Mass Drug Administration in 13 Woredas of Gambella Region, Ethiopia.

Background: Following baseline surveys in 2013 and 2014, trachoma elimination interventions, including three rounds of azithromycin mass drug administration (MDA), were implemented in 13 woredas (administrative districts) of Gambella Regional State, Ethiopia. We conducted impact surveys to determine if elimination thresholds have been met or if additional interventions are required.

Methods: Cross-sectional population-based surveys were conducted in 13 woredas of Gambella Regional State, combined into five evaluation units (EUs), 6─12 months after their last MDA round.

Prevalence of Trachoma in Benishangul Gumuz Region, Ethiopia, after Implementation of the SAFE Strategy: Results of Four Population-Based Surveys.

Purpose: We aimed to estimate the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) in 1-9-year-olds and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) unknown to the health system in ≥15-year-olds in Benishangul Gumuz (BGZ) region, Ethiopia. This will help to assess progress towards the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem and determine the need for future interventions against trachoma in the region.

Methods: Cross-sectional population-based trachoma prevalence surveys were conducted in four evaluation units (EUs) of BGZ using World Health Organization-recommended survey methodologies.

The implementation and impact of a pilot hydrocele surgery camp for LF-endemic communities in Ethiopia.

Background: Ethiopia aims to eliminate lymphatic filariasis by 2020, through a dual approach of mass drug administration to interrupt transmission and morbidity control which includes making hydrocele surgery available in all endemic areas. Locating patients requiring surgery, providing high quality surgeries, and following up patients are all formidable challenges for many resource-challenged or difficult-to-reach communities. To date, hydrocele surgery in Ethiopia has only occurred when a patient has the knowledge, time and resources to travel to regional hospitals.