Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Edinburgh visited Mukuni Village in Kazungula District this week to learn about Zambia's efforts to eliminate the blinding eye disease trachoma. The visit showcased the work of the Zambian Ministry of Health and its partners, including internationaldevelopment organisation, Sightsavers, in reducing the burden of trachoma and accelerating progress towards

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Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Edinburgh visited Mukuni Village in Kazungula District this week to learn about Zambia’s efforts to eliminate the blinding eye disease trachoma. The visit showcased the work of the Zambian Ministry of Health and its partners, including internationaldevelopment organisation, Sightsavers, in reducing the burden of trachoma and accelerating progress towards its elimination in the country.

It is estimated that 3.6 million people are at risk of trachoma in the country. Yet trachoma can be successfully treated with antibiotics, facial cleanliness and, in some cases, surgery.

During the visit, Sophie spoke to patients who had undergone eye lid surgery to correct their eye lashes turning inwards and scratching painfully against their eyes – a symptom of repeated trachoma infections. If left untreated, this can lead to permanent blindness. The Duchess also met health workers and volunteers whose commitment is helping to ensure that even the most remote communities are reached.

Priscah Mwansalula developed trichiasis, the advanced stages of trachoma, at the age of 15. For two years, the pain and tearing from her eyes caused her to struggle with school workand socialising. She worried that her condition would preventher from having a family. At 17 she underwent surgery and her pain was cured. She has gone onto marry and have two children.

Kazungula District was once significantly affected by trachoma, but through the Ministry of Health’s trachoma elimination programme, supported by Sightsavers, more than 450,000 antibiotic treatments were delivered, 75 sight-saving trichiasis surgeries were performed, and communities were taught the importance of facial cleanliness and good environmental hygiene to curb the spread of infection.

By 2021, the hard work in Kazangula had paid off, and trachoma is no longer a public health problem in the district.

Sightsavers Zambia Country Director Glenda Mulenga said:

“People living with advanced trachoma describe the pain as like having sand or thorns constantly scratching their eyes. Left untreated, it can lead to irreversible blindness, affecting people’s ability to work, earn an income and attend school. Yet trachoma is preventable and treatable, making its elimination an achievable goal.

“The Duchess of Edinburgh’s visit is an opportunity to recognise the leadership and commitment shown by the Government of Zambia, communities and health workers in tackling trachoma. Zambia has made significant progress, and we hope that sharing our experience will help encourage and inform efforts to eliminate trachoma across the region.”

Since 2014, Sightsavers has supported the delivery of more than 8.3 million antibiotic treatments and more than 8,000 trichiasis surgeries across the country. During the same period, the number of districts where trachoma remains a public health problem has fallen from 56 to 12, meaning the number of people who were at risk from trachoma fell frommore than 7 million to 3.6 million today. This is significant progress towards the goal of eliminating trachoma in Zambiaby 2030.

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