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Kebele Elimination of Trachoma for Ocular Health (KETFO)
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Date Started: March 2021
Date Completed: June 2025
Funder: The National Institute of Health to Francis I. Proctor Foundation for Research in Ophthalmology, San Francisco, California, USA.
Aim: Determine whether three additional targeted azithromycin treatments administered to 2-9 years children is more effective than annual community MDA only at achieving complete elimination of trachoma after 3 years.
Background
Since 2007, the Amhara National Regional State Health Bureau has implemented the SAFE strategy to eliminate trachoma across the region. However, high prevalence persists in several districts. Targeting children aged 2–9 years, who are at greater risk of repeated infection, may be more effective than community-wide approaches.
Methods
A four-arm cluster randomised controlled trial has been implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of three additional targeted azithromycin treatments for children compared with standard annual community-wide MDA.
Progress
The KETFO project was conducted in Merhabete district, Amhara region and completed in June 2025. Data analyses is ongoing.