The elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Togo: Successes and challenges

BackgroundAs of May 2022, 15 countries have declared that they have reached their trachoma elimination targets, but only 13 of them, including Togo, have been validated by the World Health Organization as having eliminated the disease as a public health problem. The aim of this study was to describe the broad interventions that have supported the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Togo from its inception in 2006 to the validation of its elimination in 2022. MethodA review and compilation of data and information contained in the country's submission to World Health Organization for validation of trachoma elimination as a public health problem was conducted. Data from national and local surveillance systems and reports on actions taken after achieving the elimination target were also included. ResultsTogo has achieved the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem by 2022. The prevalence of follicular trachoma among children aged 1-9 years is ConclusionThe elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Togo is a real success story that can serve as an example for the elimination of other neglected tropical diseases in Africa. But regular monitoring and surveillance is essential to avoid the re-emergence of such disease in the country. Author summaryTrachoma remains a public health problem in 43 countries in 2022, including 26 countries in the African region. During the 72(nd) Session of the World Health Organization Regional Committee for Africa held in Lome, Togo, from 22 to 26 August 2022, World Health Organization has honored Togo for becoming the first country in the world to eliminate four neglected tropical diseases in only 11 years namely dracunculiasis (Guinea worm), lymphatic filariasis, human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) and trachoma, the last of which was eliminated in May 2022. Between 2006 and 2016, different surveys were conducted to identify trachoma endemic areas, scree n and manage Trachomatous trichiasis cases. Final epidemiological surveys conducted in 2017 confirmed that there was sufficient evidence to show that elimination should be achieved in all endemic areas prompting the formal submission of the country's elimination dossier to the World Health Organization.By reaching this milestone, Togo has improved the quality of life of people living in former trachoma endemic areas by avoiding visual impairment and eventual blindness due to this disease. Post- validation monitoring and surveillance is essential to detect the resurgence of the disease because elimination as a public health problem is a reversible state.