Ghana waves goodbye to trachoma

Ghana’s breakthrough achievement shows that freeing the world from trachoma is possible, and gives a huge boost to the dedicated medical teams and community volunteers who work so hard to screen and treat people. It’s also further proof that the World Health Organization’s SAFE strategy works. SAFE stands for surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental improvements. It tackles the causes and effects of the disease, ensuring countries are able to remain trachoma-free for future generations.

As Ghana drew closer to the finishing line, our community health workers were carrying out the final screenings and treatments in the northern province of Yendi. They travelled door to door, seeking out anyone still needing treatment for trachoma. Their extraordinary efforts ensured that mothers could resume looking after their families, children could go to school and people like Barikisu and Ayishetu could return to work.