For just 15cent a child could receive an antibiotic which will rid them from the threat of blindness from trachoma. €15 could change the lives of 100 people.

2 million people currently live in Gamo Gofa, Derashe and Konso. Part of ridding this area and these people from the blinding disease – trachoma – is distributing an antibiotic treatment to prevent the continuing transmission of trachoma.

In the coming 5 weeks, distribution of the antibiotic is planned in three areas, including the remote area of Kemba. This mass antibiotic distribution campaign will cover a population of 525,447 with about 90% of which should be treated with the antibiotic. Adults will be treated with tablets and children will be given syrup with doses based on their height measurement.

The distribution of this antibiotic (kindly manufactured and donated by Pfizer for the life of the trachoma control programme) will treat active trachoma infection and prevent the disease transmission. In turn this will enable the society to attain freedom from trachoma and allow the next generation to grow up free from the threat of blindness.