The SAFE strategy for the elimination of trachoma by 2020: will it work?

Abstract

WHO has recently launched a programme (GET 2020) for the elimination of trachoma, the leading cause of preventable blindness. GET 2020 has adopted the SAFE strategy, a comprehensive set of control measures (Surgery for entropion/trichiasis; Antibiotics for infectious trachoma; Facial cleanliness to reduce transmission; Environmental improvements such as control of disease-spreading flies and access to clean water). The present article reviews the strengths and weaknesses of each component of the strategy. Although significant hurdles remain to be overcome there is every reason to hope that GET 2020 will be successful.

Additional Information

Item Type	Article
Keywords	trachoma/surgery/drug therapy/prevention and control, meibomian, glands/surgery, azithromycin/therapeutic use, hygiene, environmental health, Single-dose azithromycin, hyperendemic area, controlled trial, trichiasis, surgery, risk, blindness, tanzania, women, Antibiotics, Macrolide, therapeutic use, Azithromycin, therapeutic use, Environmental Exposure, Environmental Health, Health Priorities, Human, Hygiene, Meibomian Glands, surgery, Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Trachoma, drug therapy, prevention & control, surgery, World Health Organization
Faculty and Department	Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases > Dept of Clinical Research
Research Centre	Neglected Tropical Diseases Network
PubMed ID	11285668
ISI	167503000011
Related URLs	OA Location