Maji Moto Ward in Narok South will conduct a Trachoma Mass Drug Administration from March 17-21, 2025, offering free Azithromycin to all residents. Sponsored by Operation Eyesight Universal and the County Government of Narok, the program aims for full community participation to combat Trachoma, which currently shows reduced prevalence in the area. The initiative supports sanitation and hygiene to prevent the disease effectively.
Maji Moto Ward in Narok South Sub County will benefit from a Trachoma Mass Drug Administration initiative to combat the disease prevalent among the pastoralist community. This initiative, sponsored by Operation Eyesight Universal in conjunction with the County Government of Narok, will provide free administration of Azithromycin to all residents from March 17th to 21st, 2025.
During a stakeholders meeting at a Narok hotel, Edwin Simiyu, the Program Manager of Operation Eyesight Universal, stated that health personnel would be mobilized to deliver the medication door-to-door and in schools, aiming for 100 percent coverage in the community. Recent statistics indicated that Trachoma prevalence in Narok South decreased from 15 percent in 2018 to 5.5 percent in 2024.
Trachoma is an infectious eye disease that can lead to blindness. It is transmitted through direct contact with infected eye discharge and via flies that carry the disease. The infection is particularly common among children, who can spread it to their mothers and others through contaminated items, such as handkerchiefs.
Symptoms of Trachoma include eye redness, pain, discharge, irritation, photophobia, and blurred vision. Repeated infections can result in scarring of the eyelids, causing the eyelashes to turn inward and irritate the eyes, ultimately leading to severe pain and irreversible blindness, particularly for individuals over 40 years old.
Globally, Trachoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness, and its prevention entails promoting sanitation and hygiene through access to clean water. Furthermore, early treatment is vital to prevent complications and permanent sight loss. Residents of Maji Moto are encouraged to participate in this free drug administration program.
The Trachoma Mass Drug Administration in Maji Moto Ward represents a significant step toward reducing the disease’s prevalence in the community. The collaboration between Operation Eyesight Universal and the County Government is vital to ensure effective outreach and treatment. Through communal participation and enhanced hygiene practices, the campaign aims to combat this preventable cause of blindness, improving the overall health and well-being of residents.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
