Earlier in the year, researchers and public health officials gathered in Ethiopia’s capital to share groundbreaking findings from two major trachoma trials: Stronger-SAFE and FAWASH.

The dissemination workshop brought together 70 in-person participants representing a diverse group of stakeholders committed to eliminating trachoma. Attendees included representatives from:

• Ethiopian Ministries of Health and Education
• Regional and district (woreda) health bureaus
• London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
• Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF)
• Berhan Public Health & Eye Care Consultancy
• Academic institutions and non-governmental organisations

An additional 20 participants joined remotely from WHO Geneva, WHO Afro, and the Fred Hollows Foundation, highlighting the international significance of these trials.

Mr Eda’o Sinba Etu, who managed data collection throughout the trial, presented the results of the FAWASH study. The trial was co-led by Principal Investigators Dr Wondu Alemayehu and Dr Katie Greenland.

The research team is currently preparing a peer-reviewed publication, which will provide detailed findings and implications for trachoma elimination strategies.