A Population-Based Trachoma Prevalence Survey Covering Seven Districts of Sangha and Likouala Departments, Republic of the Congo

Abstract

Purpose : We set out to estimate the prevalence of trachoma and access to water and sanitation in seven suspected-trachoma-endemic districts of northern Congo, surveyed as a single evaluation unit. Methods : From a complete list of rural villages in the seven districts, we systematically selected 22 with probability proportional to village size. In selected villages, we included all households where there were fewer than 25 in total, or used compact segment sampling to select a group of approximately 20 households by random draw. In each selected household, all consenting residents aged ≥1 year were examined by Global Trachoma Mapping Project-certified trachoma graders, and data collected on household-level access to water and sanitation. Results : In November and December 2015, 466 households were visited in 22 villages, and 2081 (88%) of 2377 residents of those households were examined. No examined individual had trichiasis. The age-adjusted prevalence of the active trachoma sign trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) in 1–9-year-olds was 2.5% (95%CI 0.9–4.5%). Only 39% (95%CI 35–44%) of households had access to an improved source of drinking water. Only 10% (95%CI 7–13%) of households had access to an improved sanitation facility. Conclusion : Trachoma is not a public health problem in this part of Congo. Access to water and sanitation is inadequate.

Prevalence and associated factors of active trachoma among 1–9 years of age children in Andabet district, northwest Ethiopia, 2023: A multi-level mixed-effect analysis

“…This study revealed the prevalence of active trachoma PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES among 1-9 years was 35.37%. This finding is consistent with different studies done in Areka, Zala district, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Chad, Uganda, Central African Republic, and Senegal [23][24][25][26][27][28]. However, this prevalence of active trachoma was found lower compared to different studies conducted in Ankober, Amhara, Amaro, Burji, and Horo Guduru [16,[29][30][31] and higher than different studies conducted in different countries [11,13,14,32].…”

Prevalence and associated factors of active trachoma among children aged 1-9 years old in mass drug administration graduated and non-graduated districts in Northwest Amhara region, Ethiopia: A comparative cross-sectional study

“…Even though it was planned to eliminate the disease by the year 2020, finding of this study calls the implementation of A, F, and E components of SAFE are mandatory till the prevalence meets the expected target. Similarly, the overall prevalence is higher than Global Trachoma Mapping Project studies before mass antibiotic initiation began in seven districts of the Republic of the Congo (TF prevalence was 2.5%) and in Benue State, Nigeria (TF prevalence was 0.3% to 5.3%) [35,36]. The later studies done in Congo and Nigeria were done as a baseline survey for mapping the diseases to initiate SAFE interventions.…”

Historical overview and geographical distribution of neglected tropical diseases amenable to preventive chemotherapy in the Republic of the Congo: A systematic review

“…In 2013, trachoma was not considered endemic in the RoC [ 114 ], despite the Likouala department bordering areas of high trachoma prevalence in the CAR [ 115 ]. The only trachoma survey in the RoC, conducted in 2015 by the PNLO, aimed at assessing the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) in children aged 1–9 years and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) in adults aged ≥15 years in two ADs of the Sangha department and five ADs of the Likouala department [ 116 ]. When considering these seven districts as a single assessment unit, the prevalence of TF was 2.5%, and no case of TT was reported.…”