Distributing Antibiotics to Prevent Blindness

An important part of Orbis’ work is making sure your donation has the biggest possible impact. To ensure this, Orbis carries out regular surveys to assess the impact of our interventions and help us make decisions about the future of the project.

As the saying goes, prevention is the best cure. The distribution of the antibiotic that treats trachoma, Zithromax, is crucial in our efforts to reduce blinding eye disease in southern Ethiopia. Trachoma is a bacterial infection that causes severe pain and, after repeated infections, can lead to permanent blindness. Orbis carries out surveys to assess the impact Zithromax has had on the trachoma rates of villages in southern Ethiopia.

In preparation for these surveys, Orbis identifies local eye health workers to help in carrying out the assessments. One such eye health expert is 32-year-old Hawlet Ibrahim, an ophthalmic nurse who has been working in the region for five years. Hawlet has previously proven her excellent skill and energetic character in various outreach programs organised by Orbis. She received basic training on grading and recording active trachoma and trachomatous trichiasis cases. Naturally, Hawlet passed the exam with flying colours.

‘‘It was a great opportunity for me to be part of this team as I learnt a lot from my teammates in the process of the successful survey we have been able to conduct’’ Hawlet said proudly.

The results of these surveys have been really promising! Your donations have ensured a reduction in the prevalence of this horrific blinding disease by up to 75%. Of the 2.2 million population in this region of southern Ethiopia where we work, almost half now live in trachoma free areas. None of this would have been possible without your valued support.