How did Benin and Mali defeat a blinding eye disease?
Africa is disproportionately affected by trachoma, with over 100 million people at risk of contracting it. But now Mali and Benin have eradicated the disease.
βPatients will complain of swollen eyelids, watery discharge, crusty eyelids, pain, light sensitivity. And if it is getting more serious, then they will complain of blurry vision.β
In todayβs episode Alan Kasujja investigates how Benin and Mali successfully eradicated trachoma. The announcement was made by the World Health Organisation this month.
This is a disease of the eye caused by bacterial infection. It is the leading infectious cause of blindness, worldwide.
Global health authorities say it is a public health problem in over 40 countries in Africa, Central and South America, Asia, the Western Pacific and the Middle East.
Nations like Ghana, Malawi, Togo, Morocco and Gambia have all defeated trachoma in recent years.
Guests: Kerisha Maharaj and Dr. Amir Kello
Podcast
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