• If left untreated trachoma causes the upper eyelid to turn inwards so that the eyelashes rub the eyeball, resulting in intense pain and scarring
• Infections spread through contact with infected flies and personal contact via hands, clothes or bedding
• The disease thrives in crowded living conditions where there are shortages of water, inadequate sanitation and numerous eye-seeking flies
• In 2017, 42 countries were affected by trachoma, 182 million people were at risk of going blind and 1.9m were blind or visually impaired because of the disease

Paul Emerson, director of the International Trachoma Initiative, highlighted the progress made in eliminating the disease.

“Continued antibiotic donations are essential to maintaining this progresss, and while much work remains, I am more confident than ever that we can eliminate this ancient disease within the next decade,” he said.

Simon Bush, director of neglected tropical diseases at the charity Sightsavers, said Zithromax was vital in the fight against trachoma.

“This horrible disease can lead to enormous pain and eventual blindness, but can be easily prevented and treated with this drug along with surgery, improved sanitation and access to clean water,” he said.

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