Developments for a global approach to trachoma control.

Because of the life-style/environment-related determinants of the disease, trachoma control activities should be multisectorial and multidisciplinary in order to be effective and long lasting. Medical and epidemiological components to be included in the global approach have largely benefited by the existence of the simplified trachoma grading system. In other respects, long-term outcomes of trichiasis surgery are better evaluated and various surgical procedures are available. On the other hand, despite the knowledge that community participation is one of the essentials of trachoma control activities, this element all too often remains neglected. Therefore, realistic and practical community approaches need to be specified which are suited to various socio-cultural settings. Thanks to the support of the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation (USA), the World Health Organization's Programme for the Prevention of Blindness has prepared a set of documents, addressing the different aspects of trachoma control activities.