Trachoma is the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, and is particularly common in the most vulnerable populations. Surgery for trachomatous trichiasis (TT) is one of the components of the WHO SAFE (Surgery, Antibiotics, Face Washing, and Environment) strategy to address trachoma.
This list offers suggestions for the minimum essential and desirable items required to screen for trachoma and perform high quality Trabut or Bilamellar Tarsal Rotation (BLTR) surgery under conditions prevalent in most endemic areas.
The List reflects the procedures and requirements outlined in WHO documents Trichiasis Surgery for Trachoma (second edition, 2015) and is aligned with the conclusions and recommendations from the International Coalition for Trachoma Control preferred practices and the second Global Scientific Meeting in Trachomatous Trichiasis (December 2015).
The List provides general guidelines to facilitate planning / budgeting: recommends the amount needed per patient or eye care provider and indicates the typical quantity packaged for sale. To calculate the quantities required the Morbidity Management & Disability Prevention Project (MMDP) has developed a TT management procurement calculator, now hosted on the International Coalition for Trachoma Control website.
Download the IAPB Essential List for Trachomatous Trichiasis by selecting this link.