Eye health / Reports /

A SAFE solution: Sightsavers’ fast-track initiative to eliminate blinding trachoma

The International Coalition for Trachoma Control’s global strategy to eliminate blinding trachoma indicates that at least 110 million people live in areas where trachoma is endemic.

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

Want to read more about our work?

Sightsavers and eye health

A woman in traditional African dresswear walks along a street while balancing a tray of fruit on her head.

Stories / Fighting disease /

This is the story of five women from Touba, Senegal. Each of them had advanced trachoma, and they all received sight-saving operations as part of Senegal’s journey to eliminate the disease.

Nar, who had successful treatment for trachoma, sits outside with her two grandchildren. They are all smiling.

News / Fighting disease /

Thanks to support from Sightsavers and other organisations, millions of people in Senegal are no longer at risk from losing their sight to the eye disease.

July 2025

Blogs / Fighting disease /

Women are four times more likely than men to be blinded by trachoma, an infectious eye disease. But Sightsavers’ Accelerate programme is working to address this inequality.

Sightsavers, March 2025

We protect sight, fight disease and make sure everyone can claim their rights.

Find out how your support can make a huge difference and change lives.

A SAFE solution: Sightsavers’ fast-track initiative to eliminate blinding trachoma

The International Coalition for Trachoma Control’s global strategy to eliminate blinding trachoma indicates that at least 110 million people live in areas where trachoma is endemic.

The women of Touba

Senegal reaches historic milestone by eliminating trachoma

Women are most at risk from trachoma: here’s how we can help