Mapping xerophthalmia in Mali: results of a national survey on regional distribution and related risk factors.

Background: Vitamin A deficiency is recognized to be a severe public health problem in most of the sahelian countries. In Mali, several surveys had been performed at the district or regional level. Unfortunately, they did not cover the entire territory.

Longitudinal evaluation of three azithromycin distribution strategies for treatment of trachoma in a sub-Saharan African country, Mali.

Objectives: Trachoma, caused by repeated ocular infections with Chlamydia trachomatis is an important cause of blindness. Mass azithromycin distribution is part of current recommended strategies for controlling trachoma. In order to ascertain an efficient strategy model at an acceptable cost, an intervention study was conducted in Mali between May 2000 and February 2002.