Photographic grading for trachoma diagnosis within trachoma impact surveys in Amhara region, Ethiopia.

Background: As countries reach the trachoma elimination threshold and cases of trachomatous inflammation follicular (TF) become rare, it becomes difficult to train survey graders to recognize clinical signs. We assess the use of photography as a grading tool, the efficiency of an in-country grading center and the comparability of field and photographic grading.

Methods: During January-February 2017 surveys in Amhara, Ethiopia, field graders assessed TF, trachomatous inflammation intense (TI) and trachomatous scarring (TS).

Surgical output within the Fast Track Initiative against trachoma in Amhara region, Ethiopia.

Introduction: Trachomatous trichiasis (TT) is the advanced stage of trachoma where lashes touch the globe of the eye causing permanent damage. Without eyelid surgery, TT can lead to irreversible blindness. In 2015 the Ethiopian Ministry of Health launched the Fast Track Initiative with the aim of enhancing the provision of surgical services for TT.