About 4.6 million are in the advanced stages, trichiasis, which steadily and painfully progresses into blindness. Another 210 million people live in areas where there are strong indications of trachoma prevalence. In those areas, an additional 3.6 million cases of trichiasis can be expected.
The SAFE strategy (which stands for surgery, antibiotics, face washing and environmental changes) acknowledges the need to address trachoma within the context of international development. Publication date: October 2011
Now in its sixth year, the Accelerate programme has already delivered 53 million treatments to protect people from trachoma, and managed 91,000 advanced cases of the disease.
The extra funding from international donors will help speed up the elimination of trachoma in Africa by expanding and extending the programme.
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has awarded Sightsavers a grant of US$2.19 million to help fight the disease.