Health promotion for trachoma control

Abstract

Introduction Although progress has been made in refining the surgical and antibiotic components of the SAFE strategy, without effective health promotion it will be difficult to eliminate blinding trachoma by 2020. Health promotion is a cornerstone of each of the four components of the SAFE strategy. It includes: explaining the disease process and the need for trichiasis surgery to an often reluctant population (S) encouraging acceptance of mass antibiotic distribution (A) promoting facial cleanliness/hygiene (F) bringing about environmental changes, such as building and using latrines (E).

Keywords

• Trachoma
• Health Promotion
• Public Health
• Hygiene
• Sanitation
• Community Participation