The bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is secreted in ocular or nasal discharge, and infection is easily spread through contact with an infected person’s hands or clothes, or by way of flies. Person-to-person transmission of infection is reflected in clustering at multiple scales; village, subvillage, household and bedroom.
The prevalence of active trachoma (TF and TI) is highest in young children. The disease is often self-limiting, however, repeated infections lead to the disabling sequelae (TT and CO) more prevalent in older age groups.
The SAFE strategy consists of multiple interventions designed to reduce transmission, treat infection and correct disease sequelae.