Trachoma mapping at district level

Generally speaking, trachoma mapping is carried out when it is reasonable to think that trachoma is a public health problem in a district.

Trachoma mapping measures the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) in a population. Mapping also collects information on population demographics, and access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). These data are then used to guide SAFE strategy interventions for trichiasis surgery, mass drug administration and measures to achieve facial cleanliness and environmental improvement.

Mapping is justified if any of the following conditions are true:

• If the population is very likely to be trachoma endemic based on: historical trachoma data, current trachoma data for adjacent areas, data on socioeconomic conditions, WASH data
• If trichiasis surgery is being performed by local healthcare providers
• If individuals with trichiasis are presenting to local healthcare providers
• If individuals with trichiasis are being identified as part of community outreach campaigns.

It’s also important to know when not to map! Mapping is not justified if any of the following conditions are true:

• If all the conditions which justify mapping (as outlined above) are not present
• If valid trachoma data, collected within the last ten years, are already available. The Global Trachoma Mapping project provided valid data for 1,546 suspected trachoma endemic districts across 29 countries between 2012 and 2016.
• If undertaking mapping might put survey teams at risk
• If the responsible authorities do not prioritise elimination of trachoma as a public health problem.