Trachoma in the pacific islands: Evidence from trachoma rapid assessment

Abstract

Aims: To establish the presence or absence of trachoma in the Pacific Island region. Methods: Trachoma Rapid Assessment methodology was used in Kiribati, Nauru, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Fiji. Advised by key informants, high-risk communities were chosen from each country. All available children aged 1-9 years and adults ≥40 years were examined. Results: A total of 903 adults ≥40 years and 3102 children aged 1-9 years were screened at 67 sites. Rates of active trachoma in children were >15% in all sites in Kiribati and >20% in all sites in Nauru. However, there was a high variability of rates of active trachoma in survey sites in Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Fiji with rates ranging from 0%..