Trachoma is an infectious eye disease that is one of the world’s leading causes of preventable blindness.
It is one of 17 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that affect more than 1 billion of the world’s poorest people. Yet we have the tools to prevent transmission of trachoma, and to eliminate blinding trachoma by 2020.
Improved access to safe water and adequate sanitation, and the implementation of good hygiene practices, are essential for trachoma prevention and control.
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Neglected tropical diseases
Namakau’s story
Namakau, from Zambia, has had trachoma for decades and is now irreversibly blind. A fear of modern medicine had stopped her from seeking treatment.
$105 million fund to eliminate trachoma launched at star-studded concert in South Africa
The funding was announced by Richard Branson, via recorded video link, at the Global Citizen concert in Johannesburg on 2 December 2018.
November updates: highlights from around the world
News about a programme that has distributed more than 137,000 pairs of glasses across eight countries. Plus updates from Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, Mozambique and more.
