Cluster randomised controlled trial of double-dose azithromycin mass drug administration, facial cleanliness and fly control measures for trachoma control in Oromia, Ethiopia: the stronger SAFE trial protocol.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct). The WHO recommends the SAFE strategy for trachoma elimination: Surgery for trichiasis, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness and Environmental improvement. Multiple rounds of SAFE implementation have proven insufficient to eliminate trachoma in Ethiopia, where over 50% of the global trachoma burden remains. More effective antibiotic treatment schedules and transmission-suppressing approaches are needed. The aim of stronger SAFE is to evaluate the impact of a novel package of interventions to strengthen the A, F and E of SAFE on the prevalence of ocular Ct and trachoma in Oromia, Ethiopia.

Methods and analysis

68 clusters were randomised in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to one of (1) standard A/stan

SUBMITTER: Last AR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11751794 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature