TRACHOMA IN THE TAGANT REGION OF MAURITANIA

Volume 9, Issue 1, February 2025     |     PP. 7-19      |     PDF (357 K)    |     Pub. Date: June 1, 2025
DOI: 10.54647/pmh330388    15 Downloads     223 Views  

Author(s)

Mohamed Jiddou S.B, Priority Eye Care Center of Nouakchott-NBCP-Mauritania; Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Odonto-Stomatology of Nouakchott
Tfeil Yahya, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Odonto-Stomatology of Nouakchott
Ahmedou Moulaye Idriss, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Odonto-Stomatology of Nouakchott
A.Minnh, Priority Eye Care Center of Nouakchott-NBCP-Mauritania
Hammahoullah sid'Elemine, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Odonto-Stomatology of Nouakchott; Bouamatou Foundation Ophthalmological Hospital

Abstract
Introduction: Trachoma is a keratoconjunctivitis caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, transmitted through dirty hands, contaminated clothing, and flies. Trachoma remains a significant public health issue in developing countries, including Mauritania, particularly in the Tagant region.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of follicular trachoma (TF) and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) in the Tagant region.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective longitudinal analytical study, spanning 2004–2017, was based on a series of surveys conducted by the National Blindness Control Program (NBCP) and its partners.
Results: Our study revealed the following prevalence rates in the Tagant region:
- Follicular trachoma (TF): 24.35% in 2004, 6.8% in 2007, 0.6% in 2011, and 4.13% in 2017.
- Trachomatous trichiasis (TT): 0.85% in 2004, 0.70% in 2007, 0.06% in 2011, and 0% in 2017.
The average therapeutic coverage rate during Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaigns was 85%.
Conclusion: Trachoma, a major public health problem in the Tagant region in the early 2000s, has significantly declined. This reduction is attributed to the implementation of the SAFE strategy, particularly its "S" (Surgery) and "A" (Antibiotics) components, transitioning the region from an endemic state to the pre-certification phase, which now requires epidemiological surveillance.

Keywords
Trachoma, Prevalence, Tagant, Mauritania

Cite this paper
Mohamed Jiddou S.B, Tfeil Yahya, Ahmedou Moulaye Idriss, A.Minnh, Hammahoullah sid'Elemine, TRACHOMA IN THE TAGANT REGION OF MAURITANIA , SCIREA Journal of Health. Volume 9, Issue 1, February 2025 | PP. 7-19. 10.54647/pmh330388

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