PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases (Oct 2010)

Mass treatment with azithromycin for trachoma control: participation clusters in households.

  • Elizabeth N Ssemanda,
  • Beatriz Munoz,
  • Emma M Harding-Esch,
  • Tansy Edwards,
  • Harran Mkocha,
  • Robin L Bailey,
  • Ansumana Sillah,
  • Dianne Stare,
  • David C W Mabey,
  • Sheila K West,
  • PRET Project Team

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0000838
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4, no. 10
p. e838

Abstract

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BackgroundMass treatment to trachoma endemic communities is a critical part of the World Health Organization SAFE strategy. However, non-participation may not be at random, affecting coverage surveys and effectiveness if infection is differential.Methodology/principal findingsAs part of the Partnership for Rapid Elimination of Trachoma (PRET), 32 communities in Tanzania, and 48 in The Gambia had a detailed census taken followed by mass treatment with azithromycin. The target coverage in each community was >80% of children ages Conclusions/significanceIn programs aiming for high coverage, complete compliance or non-compliance with mass treatment clusters within households. Non-compliance cannot be assumed to be at random.