STATUS of National Trachoma Control Program:  Reached Goals for Elimination of Blinding Trachoma
         
Morocco’s Success Story and Hope for the Future

The public health success of the Moroccan trachoma control program offers promise that the global elimination of blinding trachoma is indeed within sight.

“In 2006 we celebrated the Kingdom of Morocco’s success in reaching the public health markers necessary to eliminate blindness from a nation’s people.  We learned that concerted and scaled efforts coordinated by the government, with both public and private sector support, made that possible.  Replicating that success is our mandate and challenge.”  -Robert L. Mallet, Chairman of the Board, ITI

SAFE = Success
Morocco is the first country in the world to reach its trachoma elimination objectives through implementation of the SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Face-washing and Environmental improvement).

Achievement 

• In 2005, Morocco successfully achieved its Ultimate Intervention Goals (UIGs) for the elimination of blinding trachoma.
• Beginning in 2006, the Ministry of Health developed and began the implementation of an epidemiological surveillance system to sustain and monitor the gains made by the national trachoma control program.
• Today, Morocco awaits certification from the World Health Organization indicating that trachoma is no longer a public health threat there.

Further Reading & Resources Download  ITI Trachoma Expert Committee Report of Morocco trachoma control program, including SAFE partners list  (October 2006 Report) Download booklet:  Morocco:  A Brighter Future in Sight Download 2006 ITI Annual Report – See Chairman’s letter, page 2 Video – Moroccan news story on trachoma control (in French) Press Releases on Morocco trachoma control (2006) – French & Arabic

History of Trachoma in Morocco Morocco has a long history of widespread trachoma infections with prevalence rates in the southeast provinces reaching as high as 46% less than 20 years ago. Moroccan trachoma patients, 1953. Photo Credit: Esther Bubley.  In 1953, UNICEF sent the prominent American photojournalist Esther Bubley to Morocco to photograph aspects of a UNICEF-sponsored trachoma control project.  This image of Moroccan peasants waiting for trachoma treatment won Photography Magazine’s first prize in its International category.  Ms. Bubley was the first woman to win this award.  Photo appears here with permission from the Esther Bubley Archive.