Trachoma, a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD), is the most common infectious cause of blindness globally, affecting some of the world’s poorest communities.

Trachoma elimination requires implementation of the WHO-endorsed SAFE strategy: Surgery for trichiasis, Antibiotics to treat infection, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement to reduce transmission.

This research aims to improve the evidence base for the “F”component of the SAFE strategy for trachoma elimination, which is highlighted as a critical action to reach 2030 targets in the WHO NTD Roadmap 2021–2030.

The study assesses the effectiveness of different face cleansing protocols at removing Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) bacteria and oculo-nasal secretions from the faces of children with active trachoma. Additionally, the study assess how long it takes for CT to build up again on children’s faces after they are washed.

The study is being conducted in one woreda (district) in Oromia, Ethiopia with high trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) prevalence, measuring the presence of CT bacteria on children’s faces for up to eight hours after using various face-washing techniques.

This study is the first of its kind to explore whether and how face washing can remove CT from children’s faces, and may directly improve trachoma elimination. The study leverages collaborations formed during the Stronger-SAFE trial and builds on published pilot work conducted in Ethiopia in 2018.

• Research Team Members: Matthew Burton, Dr Anna Last, Dr Robert Butcher, Alexandra Czerniewska, Dr David Macleod, Hirpa Miecha, Melesse Akalu-Makalu, Oumer Shafi & Anthony Solomon