Population (est. 2004): 2,998,563
Human Development Rank:  137 out of 177

Burden of Trachoma (estimated):
Trichiasis:          2,000
Active infection: 16%
Target Year for the Elimination of Trachoma:  2010
# Trachoma-endemic Districts:  29
# Graduated Districts:  2

National Program for Trachoma Control:
Trachoma Control Program began in 2004
National Program Coordinator: Sidi Ely Ahmedou

Eyelid Surgeries and Antibiotic Treatments in Mauritania

PARTNERSHIPS

Major Accomplishments, Developments and Challenges during 2007

Introduction

In partnership with ITI, the Mauritanians have been able to put into place a program based on the SAFE strategy that is expanding in a measured, methodical way.  In 2006, the program carried out its third annual Zithromax distribution campaign in Adrar and Tagant Regions, its second Zithromax distribution campaign in Brakna, Assaba, and Trarza Regions, and its first mass distribution in the regions of Hodh Gharbi and Gorgol, two of the four regions that had been surveyed during 2005. 

Trichiasis Surgery and Antibiotic Distribution

The 2007 target for TT Surgeries was set at 260.  As of December 31, 2007, 276 TT Surgeries have been completed, a coverage of 106% with respect to the 2007 target.

The Zithromax treatment target for 2007 was set at 593,499 Zithromax treatments to be distributed in thirteen endemic districts in the country.  Eleven of these districts will be receiving their third round of Zithromax treatments and will be eligible for “graduation” pending results from post-treatment surveys.  As of December 31, 2007, 435,715 Zithromax treatments had been distributed for a coverage of 73%.

Impact Surveys carried out in 2007 in Adrar and Tagant Districts

Face Washing and Environmental Improvement

In 2005, a workshop was organized with the support of ITI and the Lion’s Club to develop a national IEC plan for trachoma, but the plan adopted during the workshop has still not been implemented due to a lack of resources.  With regard to water development, the Ministry of Water, though not a member of the National Trachoma Committee but still a regularly attendee of program meetings claims to have a well-developed strategy through 2015 that is being implemented and that gives priority to trachoma-endemic regions, but neither the program nor ITI has precise information on the work that was done during this past year. 

Lessons Learned/Solutions Proposed

The big challenge for the program and ITI in 2007 still remains the mobilization of additional resources for F and E activities, which remain the weak links in the Mauritania Trachoma Control Program. ITI will focus on finding new partners for F&E, while still highlighting the invaluable partnership of the Bouamatou Foundation for the S&A components.  ITI will emphasize that the program will only succeed if all elements of the SAFE strategy are implemented simultaneously.  It is not sufficient to distribute Zithromax alone.